Alcohol is one of the most preventable risk factors for breast cancer and 6 other cancers.
According to the National Toxicology Program of the US Department of Health and Human Services alcohol is a known human carcinogen! This includes all types of alcohol – wine, spirits and beer. Approximately, 15% of breast cancer deaths among women in the United States were attributable to alcohol consumption. Education on the association between regular alcohol use and increased risk of cancer is an important and underemphasized cancer prevention strategy.
Alcohol use and cancer risk is dose dependent. The more you drink the higher your risk of many cancers. Limit your alcohol consumption to 3 or less glasses a week. Komen Studies and Breast Cancer Prevention Partners studies reported
Each drink consumed per day increases your relative risk by 7%.
Binge drinking 25% increase
Black out drinking 39% increase
Alcohol impacts your cancer risk many ways:
• Metabolizes and becomes carcinogenic
• Damages DNA in cells
• Increases hormone levels
• Increases risk of hormone-recepter positive breast cancer
• May affect breast density
• Increases calorie intact and BMI
• Decreases Folic Acid – helps make healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen
ALCOHOL INCREASES YOUR RISK OF CANCER AND OTHER DISEASE
Choose a 'mocktail instead of a cocktail' and skip the increased risk of breast cancer.
Virgin Sangria
Ingredients
3 c. pomegranite juice
½ cup orange juice
1 (12-oz.) can seltzer
1 orange, sliced
1 apple, cored and sliced
1/3 c. blackberries or raspberries
Ice
Instructions
In a large pitcher, combine pomegranate juice, orange juice, and seltzer. Add fruit and stir to combine.
Pour over ice to serve.
Virgin Cucumber Gimlet
Ingredients
1.5 oz club soda 4-5 slices of muddled cucumber 1 oz fresh lime juice 1 oz simple syrup
Instructions
Combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Serve in a rocks glass over crushed ice. Garnish with a rolled cucumber slice.
Rosemary Burberry Smash
Ingredients
7-8 blueberries 1 rosemary sprig, stripped 1 oz honey syrup 1 oz fresh lemon juice, strained 4 oz sparkling mineral water Ice
Instructions
Gently muddle blueberries, rosemary leaves, and honey syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add lemon juice and shake, covered, with ice vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain through a mesh strainer into a tall glass of fresh ice. Top with sparkling water and stir to incorporate.
Paths to Prevention in Breast Cancer California Cohort study fiyb.
