Alcohol consumption may increase breast cancer recurrence risk

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/kp-acm120709.php

Public release date: 10-Dec-2009
Contact: Danielle Cass
Kaiser Permanente
Alcohol consumption may increase breast cancer recurrence risk
Post-menopausal and overweight women may be most susceptible

(Oakland, Calif. – December 10, 2009) Moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages (at least three to four drinks per week, no matter the type of alcohol) is associated with a 30 percent increased risk of breast cancer recurrence, according to a new Kaiser Permanente study. Post-menopausal or overweight women may be most susceptible to the effects of alcohol on recurrence, according to the researchers.

Detailed results of this study will be presented December 9-13 at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center - American Association for Cancer Research San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium by Marilyn L. Kwan, Ph.D., staff scientist in the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif.

"Women previously diagnosed with breast cancer should consider limiting their consumption of alcohol to less than three drinks per week, especially women who are postmenopausal and overweight or obese," Kwan said