Latest findings on ALCOHOL RELATED RISKS
I just read the article on this site ALCOHOL'S BREAST CANCER RISK TRACED TO SUBTYPES, and I find this very interesting:
"The analysis, reported online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also showed that the association between alcohol and hormone-sensitive breast cancer applied ONLY to lobular invasive breast cancer and NOT TO DUCTAL INVASIVE CANCER."
The whole article is interesting but that sentence jumped out to me...........CHEERS!!!!
Caren
Comments
-
Thanks Caren!
Cheers to you - I'll drink to that!
-
I also read that study, very interesting, esp., since I have probably had a few too many too many times and felt that drinking could have been a bc reason in my case but the study said the effect was stronger with lobular..I have cut wayyyyyyyyy back anyway since dx...and am enjoying having more control and drinking only about 2-3 drinks weekly.....Don't want to take any chances.....
-
somanywomen,
I have also cut back and probably averaging 3 to 4 a week, but at least now I can enjoy them without the guilt, at least until the next study comes out
-
Caren ~ Thanks for posting that. I have virtually eliminated alcohol, including wine (boohoo) from my life since my bc dx, and have often wondered if I was being unnecessarily rigid about this, even though it is absolutely UCLA's recommendation. The distinction between IDC and ILC is very interesting. I actually had both types of bc, so I guess wine will stay on my list of no-no's.
However, I don't understand this sentence: Use of unopposed estrogen or combined hormonal therapy did not affect the risk of hormone receptor-positive lobular or ductal carcinoma. Assuming that's unrelated to the alcohol question, it seems totally contradictory to another very recent study that showed a whopping increased risk for HRT users. So confusing! Deanna
-
Caren Thanks for posting, I did read this the other day and felt mildly relieved. Like Somanywomen, I was sort of blaming my overinduldgences for my BC. I was also thinking that because I have a twin sister and she was all clear on her MRI. I started thinking about the differences in our lives. She has been pregnant 5 times and me NONE so that was one and then since she's been pregnant 5 times and is married she has never had the active social life I have had in the past 15 years.
I have been feeling tremendously guilty and afraid to have so much as a drop of alcohol. While I will still be more mindful of my alcohol intake, I can't wait to crack open my bottle of Cakebread someone brought me post op and celebrate the almost END of the worst toughest year of my life. Cheers Ladies!! One small victory for us!!
Diaen
-
I have 2 reactions...
1. I find it very hard to reconcile this study with the number of other studies that show a distinct link between alcohol and BC. If ILC accounts for only about 10% of diagnosed BCs, how could its alcohol link have such an impact on the other studies' findings?
2. Being trip neg, I'm sort of relieved that I didn't "bring on" my cancer with my wine consumption. I feel I can enjoy a few glasses a week and not risk a recurrence from that. On the other hand, I could be setting myself up for a new primary (ILC ER+) that is linked to alcohol. However, I am not willing to give up life's little pleasures. Everything in moderation....
-
OK who's buying the first round
Funny but I've never been much of a drinker anyway. Maybe 6 glasses of wine a year. It's not your fault that you got breast cancer. Stop thinking like that. There are plenty of folks that drink a lot and don't get it. I did everything right with no family risk. My only risks were very dense breast tissue and no kids. I'm not going to feel I could've prevented breast cancer if I only had kids (before age 30) and breast fed them. This is my life I chose and have no regrets. Don't let a few drinks make you feel guilty.
-
I never felt like it was my fault I got breast cancer - not at all. But every time a study comes out linking something in my life to BC, there's always a tiny question mark at the back of my mind...
No matter how good the surgery or chemotherapy, cancer leaves those tiny questions and nagging fears behind.
-
I just read an article about a Swedish study that said that women who take multi-vitamins actually have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than those who don't!
Talk about confusing-- !! All those years I took really good care of myself, ate well, worked out, took a daily multivitamin... I still ended up with breast cancer at age 38!! No family history, no risk factors, had children in my 20's, breast fed them- supposedly did everything right. There's no rhyme or reason here. Don't blame yourself. Just enjoy your life! -
Folks they will drive us crazy with all these studies. The bottom line is they still don't know. There are so many factors to consider and they don't know in what combinations these factors even mean anything. Things are changing all the time.
Remember when coffee was bad for you? Funny how they say a little dark chocolate is good for you now. For all we know Woody Allen got it right in the movie "Sleeper" when he said that smoking was now considered good for you
(His point of course is the same as mine.) -
Cheers......breast cancer has robbed so much from all of us..its not taking my guilty pleasures. I have always been a wine drinker and I havent given it up...I'm not going to either.I enjoy a glass or two every evening. If I suffer a recurrance I'll deal with it...not beat myself up over whether or not I shouldnt have enjoyed my pinot the night before. And...if it doesnt come back- which I pray it doesn't- think of all those enjoyable evenings I would have missed out on by being in constant fear if I take a sip. Cancer isnt winning on this one and until every doctor and researcher can come to an absolute conclusion that alcohol causes breast cancer I will continue to pop the cork.
-
nancy,
I absolutely agree. I certainly wouldn't overindulge, just like I try not to eat too much of the "bad foods", but I am not going to stop living. We all work hard at this living thing, so I am going to enjoy that life.
Infact, I am really enjoying the joys of life right now. I am in Philly visiting my daughter who just had our second grandson a week ago. His older brother is 28 months and I was diagnosed when he was 5 or 6 weeks old, so I am very grateful that I am still here to enjoy LIFE!!!!!
I have two other children who are not yet married, although another daughter is engaged to be married next June. I think I need to stick around to see many more grandchildren
-
HI ,
Nancy2721 , I absolutely agree with you. I too enjoy a glass of wine or two most evenings. It's my way of de-stressing after a hard day at work, stress apparently can also be a factor in BC so I'm thinking maybe they cancel each other. I refuse to feel guilty about enjoying an alcoholic beverage in moderation. I have, since diagnosis and treatment, had the same philosophy as you - if it comes back I will deal with it then in the meantime I want BC to have as little interference in my life as possible, it's already taken up enough time and emotion. My DH & I just purchased a hot tub and I am planning to sit in there and relax with a nice chilled glass of wine or bubbly.
"Cheers" to everyone
Gaynor
-
Just thought I'd chime in. I have ILC and although I over did the drinking some in my college days for the last 25 years if I had one drink a week it's alot. Also that Dr. Li who was on the doctor OZ show says red wine actuall is good to stop cancer growth. Who knows what is right?
-
Sometimes I think these "researchers" have been given a boatload of $$ and really don't know what to do with it!
Differing opinions on everything! I took HRT for 17 years! But it's not the cause of my bc.I drink, and continue to drink. I never drank in my college years and didn't really drink until the last 15 years or so. (I'm 57) The benies of red wine are numerous. Even if you've led the life of a tea-totaler, doesn't mean you won't get bc. Live your life in moderation. Balance. If you're going to get bc, it's going to happen. Living life as a slave to "what might have been" is no life, imo.
-
Interesting overview of latest study on alcohol, and what BC survivors can do to minimize risk of recurrence: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/alcohol-linked-to-greater-risk-of-breast-cancer-recurrence/article1707750/
-
I am skinny, stopped smoking long ago, no meat, no pork, etc., drink wine, had a baby at 40, got my period at 10, have been exposed to too many chemicals, etc., etc. I am having a damn glass of wine.
-
Well I know for sure I didn't get breast cancer from drinking, I've done far too little of it in my life.
I will definitely a little drink more when I'm off chemo. I will also have a dessert a little more often. (and work out a WHOLE lot more often, lol) -
Ladies, I have breast cancer and I don't drink, at all...so I know alcohol can't possibly be a cause of my breast cancer. Doesn't it make you wonder about all these "causes" that they come up with.
-
Yes, I do wonder. Too much of this vitamin, not enough of that, a recent study showing higher BMI in Mexican American women was associated with a lower rate of cancer and better prognosis. These studies are easier for the media to understand so they love reporting them, researchers can't afford not to jump on the press (thinking of the next grant) and as a result a whole lot of voodoo going on. PaminWV I think you said it best. If you don't like it, don't, but, if you like a glass of wine, don't let breast cancer steal it away from you. Personally I'd rather the researchers quit publishing preachy holier than thou articles on what we did to cause this and get out there and find a way to treat it that doesn't involve taking my breast and treating me with chemicals that make me feel like you know what. Yes, I do know that there are those out there preaching prevention and sacrifice. I exercise because it feels good, eat good because I like the way it tastes, and have a glass in moderation because I like it, and enjoy mojo because it feels good and breast cancer has taken enough away and its not taking those things.
-
Hi all,
I, too, have my glass or two of wine every night, and I am not going to let BC take that enjoyment away. If I have a recurrence I will deal with it, but I totally agree with enjoying life now, as none of us know, whether you have had cancer or not, how long we have to enjoy life. Every day is a gift and meant to be treasured. I think it is important, too, to stay away from negativity. Stress is much more harmful that that glass of wine.
So cheers!
-
I might have that occasional glass of wine or beer, but it's just not all that often. I'll probably still have that rare glass of wine or beer even after the diagnosis. Don't know what caused my BC either. I'm thin and get exercise on a regular basis. Can't say for sure, but I'm almost willing to bet that in my case, a contributing factor (not cause) could have been my birth-control pills. I had been taking them on a regular basis for the past 30 years or so-with the majority of those years using a higher dosage of pill. As soon as I got that diagnosis, I deep-sixed my pill pak....
-
I agree with everything Lago has said. I know people that drink like fish and smoke and never got cancer and women who had kids and never drank and got BC. I really doubt the single glass of wine I had a night caused my BC, and I continue to have 2-3 glasses a week.
-
I feel BC has taken more than it's share already, it's not going to take away the few pleasures I have..
-
I think the research needs to focus on a CURE as opposed to a continual study of RISK FACTORS and AWARENESS curves. Don't we know we have cancer? The research is compelling and if it is an established nod toward finding treatments or vaccines that lead to a CURE, I say go for it. Otherwise, let me enjoy my red wine!
-
Jess,
You are so right, I am right there with you. I base this on the fact that there are plenty of women who develop bc who don't drink, eat right, exercise regularly, breast fed, etc., etc., etc. I did breast feed , I do exercise, and I drink in moderation........................my downfall is that I am overweight, but no one can prove that is the reason I got bc. BC shows it's head in all different situations, if it was clear that we could "prevent" it by following certain guidelines, then I am sure we would be willing to take that into account. In the mean time, it's still a crap shoot. Therefore, I think we need to be responsible and in general try not to kill ourselves with a "bad" lifestyle, but we here on this earth to live life and I am going to continue to do that......................Caren
-
I appreciate your input , Caren. I remember when I first found out I had cancer. I received the phone call from a doctor at work. Fortunately , I was alone. I clearly remember calling my husband and apologizing. I suppose I could go on and on about guilt and all its ramifications, but I will never forget how I cried out "I am so sorry, I have cancer!!!" Why did I feel guilty? I especially wonder that as I read through this wonderful website and and always go back to the inevitable answer you reasoned : it's a crapshoot! A crapshoot indeed. You mentioned your "downfall" , and I go back to that phone call. I don't remember what my dh said, but I still marvel at how I felt. I felt as if I was drawing a circle on the wall, putting a dot in the middle and writing down below "Bang head here". ( the kinesthetic version of the crapshoot) Now I wonder if the cancer will come back and my calendar is marked with doctors visits, but I have to say the other side of the crapshoot is maybe, just maybe the coin I toss will end up heads up and I won't feel guilty! And if it isn't, well that's another situation, isn't it???
-
If alcohol was the culprit for breast cancer, every women in France and Germany would have it! They are heavy drinkers. Alway have been....Always will be....I try to think of the breast cancer population in the world and not just in my small world. It throws alot of the theories out the window. I keep going back to the crap shoot, as I know women who do and women who don't on just about everything.....
-
If alcohol was the culprit for breast cancer, every women in France and Germany would have it!
true dat!
-
True dat- funny and true! lol. Very enjoyable! SIP!
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team