Women who drink elevate their cancer risk

Drinking even a low to moderate amount of alcohol significantly increases women’s risk for cancer, according to results from the Million Women Study, which includes about 1.2 million women in the United Kingdom. Researchers found even one drink is enough to increase the risk of overall cancer as well as at specific sites, particularly breast cancer.

Every drink boosts your risk

Of the over 1 million women in the study, 75 percent reported drinking on average one drink per day, with very few consuming more than three or more drinks per day.

Researchers found that even one drink per day increased the risk of cancer and two drinks per day doubled that risk. Results of the study, published in the February 2009  issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, indicate that most of the diagnosed cancer cases were breast cancers, but that the risk for liver and rectum increased as well as cancer of the mouth and throat of the women that smoked.

No level of alcohol is risk-free

Past research has already linked cancer and alcohol, but this recent study is alarming because it suggests that even small amounts of alcohol put women at risk. Further, the study reports that women who were previous drinkers had a higher risk of developing cancer, suggesting that even if a woman doesn’t currently drink, she isn’t in the clear. The authors of the study stress that there is no level of alcohol consumption that be considered risk-free.

What about the heart-health benefits?

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in women, compelling many women to heed the recommendation of drinking a glass of wine a day for its cardiovascular health benefits.

These recent findings directly contradict the drink a day recommendation – so what is a woman to do? Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer. The focus of the Million Women Study was on the risk for cancer associated with alcohol – not heart health – giving no indication as to how the cancer risk will balance against the potential health benefits for the heart. More research is needed and is in the works.

Bottom line

Women who drink low to moderate amounts of alcohol have an increased risk for cancer overall and specifically of the oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus, larynx, rectum, liver and breast. And the type of alcohol is irrelevant to risk – regardless of the type of alcohol you drink, you increase your chances of developing the disease.

This study provides food (or, rather, drink) for thought – keep it in mind the next time you uncork that wine, order a cocktail or pop open a brew.

More on the risks of drinking alcohol

Signs that you are – or are not – an alcoholic
The latest on drinking and pregnancy
Connection between drinking and body mass index
Epidemic of young alcoholics
FASD: Are you pregnant and still drinking?