Alcohol increases breast cancer risk

Oncologists are seriously concerned about the rising incidence of breast cancer among women. According to statistical data, the rate has increased by 3% in just the last five years, and the figure continues to grow.

Many patients seek medical attention only when the disease is in an advanced stage. This significantly reduces the chances of a successful cure. To avoid problems, specialists recommend undergoing examinations every few years. Primarily, a mammogram is necessary. It makes it possible to detect pathological formations at early stages. With age, it is recommended to undergo the procedure more frequently. Especially when a woman has passed the 50-year mark.

Risk factors

Most often, victims of oncology are people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle.

Numerous studies have shown that women who abuse alcohol fall into the risk group. In this case, it does not matter which specific beverage the woman consumes, whether it is expensive wine or cheap vodka – “palkanka” (adulterated or counterfeit alcohol).

Women with obesity are also in the risk group. Fast food, chips, and other harmful products significantly increase the probability of cancer cell formation.

And while these factors can be influenced by giving up alcohol and taking control of one’s diet, and consequently weight, there are threats that a person is powerless to manage. This concerns mutations that increase the risk of oncological disease. They can be detected using special tests. In such cases, it is important to increase the frequency of examinations. It was with this problem that Hollywood star Angelina Jolie faced a few years ago. To reduce the likelihood of developing cancer, the actress decided to completely remove her breasts and ovaries.

Factors that reduce risk

There are also factors that reduce the probability of developing breast cancer. These include:

·         childbirth – 9%;

·         breastfeeding – 7%.

These factors are cumulative. That is, the more children a woman has given birth to and breastfed, the lower the probability of oncology. The exception is the presence of mutations.