everyday living Alcohol Abuse And Breast Cancer: Understanding The Relationship October 05, 2012 Written By: BreastImplants.org Published On October 05, 2012 Breast cancer is linked to genetics, behaviors, and sometimes just bad luck. While people cannot control genetics, nor can they necessarily affect their biology, they can avoid destructive behaviors that affect the likelihood of developing breast cancer. One behavior that research has suggested may encourage the development of breast cancer is alcohol use and abuse. Please Read This: Singer-Songwriter Jewel Advocates For Breast Cancer Awareness In Song Risk Factors For Breast Cancer Only recently have researchers started focusing on the relationship between alcohol consumption and increased risk of breast cancer. A report prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, explores new studies showing that ethanol alters estrogen receptors. Many cancer researchers believe that higher levels of estrogen may increase the chances of breast cancer. If estrogen receptors are changed, they may cause the body to produce more estrogen than necessary. Not only do the studies conducted suggest that ethanol may encourage estrogen development, but also that alcohol consumption encourages tumor development. Ethanol affects cancer risk by: Increasing hormone receptor levels. Increasing cell proliferation, which in turn increases tumor growth. Stimulating cells. Increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a substance responsible for cells’ ability to communicate with one another. When the pathways are disrupted by alcohol, it can encourage cancer growth. Changing the way genes work. Given these studies in both humans and animals, researchers feel comfortable connecting alcohol use and increased breast cancer risk. You Might Like This: Breast Implant Problems Relationship Between Moderate Drinking And Cancer Risks For the past decade, many physicians have encouraged patients to drink one glass of red wine a day to increase heart health. The connection between one drink a day and a higher risk of breast cancer must be weighed. How much alcohol actually affects breast cancer risk? Or, does a woman have to abuse alcohol to increase her chances of breast cancer and other diseases? According to a Harvard study of 106,000 women, women who drank three to six drinks a week increased their chances of breast cancer by 15 percent over women who abstained. Another study indicated even graver risks, but that a drink a day increased women’s breast cancer risks by 4 percent, while three or more daily drinks can cause an increased risk of 40 to 50 percent. The risks in both studies did not change based on the type of alcohol that a woman drank. Ultimately, what these studies show is that drinking should be done in moderation. As researchers come closer to understanding the relationship between breast cancer and alcohol abuse, women should pay attention to the choices they can make to cut risks. Recommended Articles everyday living Prosthetics After Reconstruction everyday living Nipple Piercings Before And After Breast Augmentation Surgery everyday living New Study Finds That Cosmetic Surgery Makes Patients Look Younger everyday living Post-Surgery Care To Minimize Scarring everyday living On Oncologists: Why They Should Be Part Of Your Treatment Team Most Searched Questions What size is right for me? How much does breast augmentation cost? What should I ask my plastic surgeon? How do I find a plastic surgeon? Tags: everyday living cancer alcohol research risks Comments Learn More: Nipple Piercings Before And After Breast Augmentation Surgery Exercises And Massage After Breast Augmentation Tattoos Do's And Don'ts Post Surgery: Pros And Cons Of Taking Antibiotics For Dental Work The Sounds Your Implants Will Make Anesthesia Explained