Alcohol

scotnews

Recurrence after 14 years. Could 2 drinks/day be the cause?

roadrash

Hi, I have included the link from this website about the risks. Many things can cause a reoccurence and for many people some of these things can't be changed. Some factors that can't be changed are age, race and family history. We are here to support you. DO you have the same medical providers you did 14 yrs ago?

http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors

pajim

Hi Scotnews, the answer is no.  No one knows exactly what causes cancers or recurrence of cancers, but it is thought that a series of mutations need to happen in cells.  One, or two mutations aren't enough, but a whole series.  That final mutation triggers cells to grow uncontrollably.

What causes these mutations?  Don't know that either.  Some behaviors make mutations more likely to happen, but do not cause them.  In other words, smoking causes harm to the cells in the lung which makes mutations to those cells more likely to happen, but not all smokers get lung cancer. 

Just like not all people who have two drinks a day get breast cancer.  Some do, some don't.  Some women who are vegans at a normal weight to exercise every day also get breast cancer.

Does this make sense?  Think of it as bad luck (which it is).  Don't waste your time feeling guilty. 

sandilee

I had a a recurrence after three years, without drinking 2 drinks a day! In fact, I rarely drink. I also don't smoke, am at my ideal weight, and eat a healthy diet. So, no. You didn't cause it.