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Should Breast Cancer Survivors Drink Alcohol?
Should breast cancer survivors drink alcohol? I ask myself this question almost daily. Why? Because I’m a cancer survivor who drank too much alcohol, stopped completely, and have been able to drink again, limiting my intake to a glass of wine with dinner most nights.
The short answer is, no, breast cancer survivors should not drink alcohol. Study after study concludes that:
- Alcohol is toxic
- Even small amounts consumed will increase your risk of problems
This is an excellent video of “Should breast cancer survivors drink alcohol. By a BC survivor and BC doctor.
The Deadly Truth About Alcohol and Breast Cancer
What are the reasons for cancer survivors NOT to drink a little wine?
- Increased Risk of Cancer Recurrence: Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, liver, colorectal, and esophageal cancers. For cancer survivors, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence is often a top priority, so avoiding alcohol can be a proactive measure.
- Interference with Medications: Some cancer treatments and medications may interact negatively with alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking certain medications can reduce their effectiveness or cause harmful side effects.
- Impact on Overall Health: Cancer survivors often focus on maintaining their overall health and well-being. Alcohol consumption can contribute to various health issues such as liver damage, weakened immune system, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which may be particularly concerning for individuals who have already battled cancer.
- Potential for Addiction: Cancer survivors may be more susceptible to developing substance abuse issues as they cope with the physical and emotional challenges of their diagnosis and treatment. Avoiding alcohol altogether can help reduce the risk of developing alcohol-related problems.
- Quality of Life: For some cancer survivors, abstaining from alcohol improves their quality of life by promoting better sleep, mental clarity, and emotional stability. They may find that avoiding alcohol enhances their overall sense of well-being and vitality.
The bottom line, as I see it (and I am a cancer survivor myself), is that we each have to understand the issues and then decide for ourselves. I have a glass of wine with dinner.
Are you a breast cancer survivor? What stage? What therapies have you had? Any side effects? Scroll down the page, post a question or comment and I will reply to you ASAP.
Thanks,
David Emerson
- Cancer Survivor
- Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Does Eliminating Alcohol Intake Lower Cancer Risk?
“The benefits of drinking less alcohol are well documented. A systematic review of 63 studies, for example, found that reducing or giving up alcohol reduced people’s risk for hospitalization, injuries, and death. The lifestyle change also improved people’s physical and mental health as well as their quality of life.
When it comes to cancer risk, however, the benefits of quitting or cutting back on alcohol remain much less clear, according to a new report from the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO)…
After reviewing dozens of studies, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that, for most alcohol-related cancers, there is limited evidence to support a link between eliminating or reducing alcohol consumption and lowering of cancer risk…
The report did highlight two exceptions: Reducing or quitting alcohol was associated with a lower risk for both oral and esophageal cancer. The IARC working group based this conclusion on large studies of long-term alcohol cessation in these cancer types…
The Case for Limiting Alcohol
While the evidence linking reducing or stopping drinking and lower cancer risk remains limited, the opposite association is well-established — greater alcohol consumption does increase cancer risk…
A previous IARC analysis estimated that alcohol consumption accounts for about 4% of newly diagnosed cancers worldwide, most commonly esophagus, liver, and breast cancer. The IARC has even classified alcohol as a group 1 carcinogen, highlighting the strong evidence demonstrating that alcohol can cause cancer in humans.
Experts also recommend following existing guidelines for alcohol intake. Guidelines from the American Cancer Society and from the US Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services specify limiting alcohol intake to one drink or less for women and two drinks or less for men on any given day…
In a January 9, 2023 blog post, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholismdirector George F. Koob, PhD, touted the known benefits of limiting drinking…
“Research shows that even small amounts of alcohol can carry health risks, including for certain cancers and cardiovascular issues,” Koob said…”
Should breast cancer survivors drink alcohol Should breast cancer survivors drink alcohol