Teen Drinking and Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
Teen Drinking and Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
A new study followed 29,000 female teens and young female adults and found a correlation between alcohol and breast changes which increased the risk of breast cancer. The study was conducted by the Siteman Cancer Center of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and was published in the May issue of Pediatrics.
The link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer has already been demonstrated and this study reinforces that link and provides new insight into the changes that occur in young females who drink alcohol. Research has previously revealed that those who drink 2 to 5 drinks a day have 1.5 times the risk of breast cancer compared to non drinkers.
A representative from the American Cancer Society stated that “alcohol consumption even during young adulthood… appears to play an important role in adverse breast health.” The study uncovered an association between adolescent alcohol use and benign breast disease while research has demonstrated that cancer risk increases with the presence of benign breast disease.
Alcohol consumption by women, when started during late adolescence, can lead to alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. It takes less alcohol for women to grow addicted and the negative impact of alcohol abuse is more severe for women than men. Alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence can destroy a young person’s life and dreams. Help is available as alcohol detox followed by an alcohol rehab program does work.
