Lifestyle Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
September 11, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Women's Health
Women who’ve had breast cancer in the past should avoid smoking and drinking and try to conquer obesity to avoid a second breast cancer, says researchers.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center published their findings in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on September 8.
The researchers found that obesity, alcohol use and smoking all significantly raise the risk of breast cancer survivors developing a second breast cancer.
On lifestyle risk factors for developing a second breast cancer, researchers say:
- Obesity represents a 50% increased risk
- Consuming at least one alcoholic drink per day raises the risk to 90%
- Smoking means a dramatic 120% increased risk
When you combine the risk factors, the results are even worse. Current smokers who consume seven or more drinks a week could be at exceptionally high risk of having a breast cancer recurrence.
“Our study results afford breast cancer survivors three ways to potentially reduce their risk of second cancers: Stay at a normal weight, don’t smoke and drink in moderation,” said lead author Christopher I. Li, MD, PhD, an epidemiologist who studies breast cancer.
Obesity and alcohol use are thought to increase the risk of breast cancer because of their association with increased levels of estrogen. Smoking may be a risk factor due to carcinogens. This study was funded by the National Cancer Institute.
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