In the face of a breast cancer diagnosis, numerous concerns loom large. However, it seems that the extent of your alcohol consumption need not be one of them. Recent research hints that alcohol intake might not significantly influence the odds of conquering breast cancer or experiencing a relapse.
The Alcohol-Breast Cancer Connection: New Insights
“Although alcohol consumption has been linked to an elevated risk of developing breast cancer, with the risk escalating in proportion to alcohol intake,” asserts Marilyn Kwan, PhD, the lead author of the study and affiliated with the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research in Oakland, “we speculated that drinking alcohol post-diagnosis could potentially heighten the risk of cancer recurrence.”
Contrary to initial expectations, the study unveiled a lack of meaningful correlation between drinking habits following a breast cancer diagnosis and the likelihood of tumors resurfacing after treatment or resulting in mortality. This noteworthy revelation surfaced in the findings, which were published on August 9 in the journal Cancer. “On the whole, imbibing alcohol subsequent to a breast cancer diagnosis does not wield any impact on a patient’s prognosis,” affirms Dr. Kwan.
Untangling the Web: No Solid Association Found
Delving into the research, investigators sifted through data from 3,659 breast cancer patients. These individuals were surveyed regarding their recent alcohol consumption approximately two months post-diagnosis and once again six months later. Over an average span of 11.2 years, 524 patients encountered a breast cancer recurrence, and tragically, 834 individuals succumbed to their illnesses, with 369 of those fatalities attributed to breast cancer.
Considering the potential influence of estrogen, a hormone central to breast cancer outcomes, researchers probed whether certain variables that affect estrogen levels could alter the relationship between drinking habits and the probability of tumor recurrence or breast cancer-related deaths.
Even when factoring in these variables — encompassing factors such as menopausal status, the suitability of hormone therapy for treating a particular type of breast cancer, and obesity — the scientific inquiry remained void of a statistically significant link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer outcomes.
Prudent Choices Amidst Uncertainty
One caveat of the study arises from the reliance on patients’ self-reported alcohol consumption, thereby acknowledging the possibility of inaccuracies creeping into the data. Current guidelines for breast cancer survivors advocate for a daily limit of no more than one alcoholic drink, according to Kwan. The study’s findings supply fresh evidence that adhering to this guideline may not compromise patients’ chances of survival. Nonetheless, these results do not suggest that those who’ve abstained from alcohol in the past should suddenly adopt a drinking habit post-diagnosis, Kwan emphasizes.
“I would strongly advise patients against considering alcohol as a treatment modality to enhance their prospects of survival,” underscores Richard Bleicher, MD, a surgical oncology professor and clinical director of the breast cancer program at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.
Earlier investigations have uncovered a potential uptick in the risk of breast cancer recurrence with heightened alcohol consumption. Consuming more than one alcoholic beverage per week — be it a beer, a glass of wine, or a shot of spirits — has been associated with an increased risk, as per Dr. Bleicher, who remained uninvolved in this recent study.
One past study spotlighted that three to four drinks per week following a breast cancer diagnosis raised the odds of recurrence. An in-depth analysis of 16 studies highlighted some indication of alcohol amplifying the risk of breast cancer recurrence, although outcomes varied and the correlation seemed more pronounced among post-menopausal women.
Counterbalancing these perspectives, earlier research harmonizes with the latest study’s conclusions: A comprehensive examination of nearly 8,000 women identified no discernible connection between post-diagnosis alcohol consumption and survival odds.
“While we confront divergent studies, it remains crucial for breast cancer patients to grasp that alcohol still carries the general perception of elevating the risk of recurrence,” emphasizes Bleicher. “In the absence of absolute certainty, erring on the side of caution by limiting alcohol intake to one to two drinks per week appears prudent, thereby minimizing the potential for breast cancer relapse.”
In the journey toward understanding the intricate interplay between alcohol consumption and breast cancer outcomes, one message shines through amidst the contrasting findings: while the puzzle pieces may vary, a cautious approach prevails as a steadfast ally against the specter of recurrence.