Alcohol and breast cancer

https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/science-reviews/alcohol-and-breast-cancer-science-review/

Published: 24/04/2021

Peer reviewed by two members of Breast Cancer UK independent Science Panel.

Summary

Drinking alcoholic beverages increases the risk of breast cancer in women and heavy drinking increases risk in men. The more alcohol a woman consumes the greater the risk, with no lower threshold. Alcohol (ethanol) is metabolised to acetaldehyde, a cancer-causing compound. This occurs in the liver primarily and in breast tissue. Alcohol increases levels of circulating hormones such as oestrogen; high levels of these increase breast cancer risk.

How to cite

Alcohol and breast cancer. Breast Cancer UK. 2021. https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/science-reviews/alcohol-and-breast-cancer-science-review/

 

Currently under review.

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