Even 1 drink may matter: Alcohol and obesity raise breast cancer risk

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Research has found that breast cancer risk in middle-aged and older women is closely linked to everyday lifestyle habits. In particular, alcohol consumption and body weight have once again been confirmed as important risk factors.

Researchers at the Daffodil Centre, a partnership between the Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney in Australia, followed 12,782 women for more than 20 years and found that women who drank alcohol or were overweight or obese had a higher risk of developing breast cancer. During the follow-up period from 1996 to 2019, 941 participants — 7.4 percent of the total — were diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Regardless of the amount of alcohol consumed, women who drink had a significantly higher risk of breast cancer than those who do not,” said professor Xueqin Yu, an epidemiologist who led the study, adding, “Women who are overweight or obese also showed an increased risk.”

According to the study, overweight or obese women had about a 23 percent higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women whose weight was considered normal.

The study supports previous research showing that lifestyle habits over time affect cancer risk. Through long-term data, the researchers confirmed that drinking habits and weight changes can influence breast cancer risk throughout life.

These findings once again highlight the importance of modifiable risk factors. “Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining social relationships may help reduce breast cancer risk in the long term," the researchers said.

The study did not find statistically significant associations between breast cancer risk and smoking, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptive use. However, the researchers noted that the effects of these factors may vary depending on the population or study design.

Breast cancer No.1 cancer among women in Korea

According to data from the National Cancer Registry, 29,871 cases of breast cancer occurred in Korea in 2023, accounting for 10 percent of all cancers and ranking fourth overall. Among female cancers, however, it ranks first.

By age group, cases were most common in women in their 50s, followed by those in their 40s and 60s. The fact that the highest incidence overlaps with the perimenopausal and postmenopausal period suggests that hormonal changes and lifestyle factors should be considered together.

Breast cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. While many people suspect disease only when there is pain, the most common early sign is actually a painless lump. As the disease progresses, a mass may be felt in the armpit, or bloody discharge from the nipple may occur. Changes such as dimpling of the breast skin or thickening resembling orange peel can also appear in advanced cancer.

For this reason, regular screening is important even without symptoms.

According to domestic guidelines, women aged 40-69 are recommended to have a mammogram done every two years. If symptoms are present or the person is high-risk, additional tests may be performed at a doctor’s discretion.

High-risk groups include those with a family history, those who have never given birth, those who had their first child birth after age 30, obese individuals, those with early menstruation or late menopause and those who have had breast cancer in one breast.

Postmenopausal obesity is also a risk

Although the exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, it is known that multiple risk factors interact. Among them, alcohol and obesity are considered particularly important.

Even small amounts of alcohol can increase risk. According to the National Cancer Information Center, drinking less than two drinks per day still increases breast cancer risk and the risk tends to rise with greater alcohol consumption.

Obesity is also an important risk factor, but its effect varies depending on menopausal status. Before menopause, obesity may sometimes appear to lower risk, but after menopause it is known to increase breast cancer risk.

Experts emphasize that smoking cessation, reducing alcohol intake, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are basic preventive strategies. In addition, a balanced diet and regular screening may help reduce breast cancer risk.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Does even small drinking increase breast cancer risk?

A. Yes. Even drinking fewer than 1-2 drinks per day may increase breast cancer risk, and the risk tends to rise with higher intake.

Q. When does obesity increase breast cancer risk?

A. Obesity increases breast cancer risk especially in postmenopausal women. Before menopause, the effect may differ.

Q. What is the first symptom of breast cancer?

A. Early stages often have no symptoms, but the most common early sign is a painless lump. As it progresses, nipple discharge or skin changes may occur.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.