New Study Shows Links Between Excessive Drinking and Six Different Cancers Including Breast Cancer
In 2019, 5.4% of cancers in the United States were attributed to alcohol consumption, according to the American Medical Association.
A recent study published by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) suggests a high correlation between people who drink alcohol and up to six different cancers. This includes colorectal, liver, and breast cancer.
In some cases, the rates of these types of cancers also increase in younger people.
Dr. Meghna Chopra, a Family Medicine Physician, said there could be multiple factors behind this.
"From our understanding, it looks like alcohol use naturally raises those hormone levels so for estrogen for instance - that's one of the possible drivers for development of breast cancer," said Chopra. "Drinking can also lead to weight gain and in fat, the production of estrogen can also increase."
But how much alcohol can lead to an increased risk of cancer?