When we hear the word "cancer," we all cringe a little, don't we? It's normal, especially as a woman, to have a little fear in the back of our minds about breast cancer. But the most important thing we all need to know is that we can control some of the things that increase our risk of cancer. Some of our lifestyle habits have a direct impact on this. Today, we're going to talk about how two of those major habits, smoking and drinking, affect our risk of breast cancer.
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What is the relationship between smoking and breast cancer?
We all know that smoking is a dangerous habit that opens the door to many other types of cancer, not just lung cancer. Smoking is also directly linked to an increased risk of mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, and breast cancer.
Think about it, cigarette smoke is a collection of toxic chemicals (toxins) that can cause cancer. These toxins get into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. As they travel this way, they can damage the cells in our body.
Research has clearly shown that women who smoke or have quit smoking in the past have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who have never smoked.
Not only that, but the saddest thing is that if you continue to smoke after developing breast cancer, your risk of dying from the disease increases. Also, smoking increases the likelihood of the cancer recurring after treatment and cure.
But don't be alarmed. The good news is that it's never too late to quit smoking. Quitting smoking, even after you've been diagnosed with cancer, can greatly improve your recovery. It can also reduce your risk of developing other diseases, such as lung disease and heart disease, in the future.
What is the relationship between alcohol and breast cancer?
Now let's talk about alcohol. Many people think that drinking a little is okay. But when it comes to breast cancer, the story is a little different. International guidelines for cancer prevention say that it's best to avoid drinking alcohol .
Alcohol is a poison to our bodies. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk of breast cancer.
Simply put, a woman who drinks one alcoholic beverage a day has a 7% higher risk of breast cancer than a woman who doesn't drink alcohol at all. If you drink two or more alcoholic beverages a day, that risk can increase to 20% . That's not a small amount, right?
However, when it comes to "one drink," it's important to know exactly how much.
| Alcohol type | The amount considered a standard "one drink" |
|---|---|
| Beer | 12 ounces (about 355 milliliters) |
| Wine | 5 ounces (about 150 milliliters) |
| Spirits such as brandy, whiskey, and vodka | 1.5 ounces (about 45 milliliters) |
Why does alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer?
You may be wondering how drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. There are several reasons for this. Let's explain them simply.
| Reason | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Damage to cells | When alcohol enters the body, it can damage the cells in our breasts. When this damage continues, the cells begin to divide abnormally and uncontrollably. This is the primary cause of the formation of a cancerous tumor. |
| Changes in hormone levels | Alcohol increases the level of the hormone estrogen in the body. Estrogen is a hormone that directly affects the growth of breast tissue. Having too much of this hormone increases the risk of breast cancer. |
| Weight gain | Alcohol contains empty calories that have no nutritional value. These only lead to unnecessary weight gain. Excess body fat increases the risk of many types of cancer, especially breast cancer. |
| Decreased absorption of nutrients | When you drink alcohol, it interferes with the body's ability to properly absorb important vitamins and minerals. For example, folic acid, a nutrient that helps protect against cancer, is a nutrient that helps prevent cancer. When alcohol interferes with its absorption, the risk of cancer increases. |
Drinking alcohol during treatment and after recovery?
If you are already undergoing treatment for breast cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiation , it is wise to avoid alcohol completely, as alcohol can interfere with treatment and increase side effects.
Some studies suggest that drinking alcohol may increase the risk of cancer recurrence, even after the cancer has been cured and the disease is in remission. Therefore, it is important to always seek medical advice before making any decisions about this.
If you have any doubts about whether or not alcohol consumption is appropriate for you, talk to your doctor about it. He or she will be able to give you the best advice based on your health condition.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Smoking and drinking alcohol are two habits that clearly increase the risk of breast cancer, but they are ones we can control.
- It's never too late to quit smoking. The decision you make today is a big investment in your entire future.
- When it comes to alcohol, the best thing to do is to stop completely. Remember that even small amounts can increase the risk.
- Talk openly with your doctor about your lifestyle habits, especially smoking and alcohol. Don't be afraid or embarrassed. Getting the right guidance is essential for your health.
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