A drink a day may increase risk of breast cancer, new report reveals

World Cancer Research Fund International has released a new report that demonstrates an increased risk of breast cancer is associated with even moderate alcohol consumption.

In the report, a research team from Imperial College London analysed global scientific data on diet, nutrition, physical activity and breast cancer. These analyses were then independently assessed by a panel of leading international scientists.

The data from 119 global studies were reviewed, involving more than 12 million women and more than a quarter of a million cases of breast cancer. Additionally, whether women were pre- or postmenopausal was also taken into consideration.

Key findings from the report were that there is strong evidence that alcohol consumption increased the risk of breast cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women. Head of health information for the Fund, Sarah Toule, highlighted in a news report: “The most important thing women can do to reduce their risk of breast cancer is to not drink alcohol — in fact, around one in five breast cancer cases could be prevented every year in the UK by not drinking.”

Additionally, the research found that there is strong evidence that vigorous physical activity in premenopausal women and physical activity (including vigorous activity) in postmenopausal women helps to decrease the risk of breast cancer.

“[…] with social drinking so ingrained in British culture, we realise that giving up might not be realistic for everyone. If you do choose to drink, you should at least try to reduce your intake […],” added Toule. “Breast cancer may be the most common cancer in women worldwide, but there are steps women can take which will significantly reduce their risk.”