Women ‘unaware’ of breast cancer alcohol link

Researchers have found that most women undergoing breast cancer screenings are “unaware” that their risk of developing the disease is linked to alcohol consumption.

A study has found that the majority of women undergoing breast cancer screening don’t know that alcohol consumption is linked to the disease

The study, conducted by Cancer Research UK and Bupa and presented at the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference in Liverpool, saw 206 women having a mammogram screening or being checked for breast cancer symptoms surveyed.

Fewer than 25% knew that alcohol consumption could increase their breast cancer risk. Of those who did know, around half were unaware how much alcohol was in certain drinks.

Cancer Research UK says more than a quarter of breast cancer cases in the UK each year could be prevented if women led healtheir lifestyles – such as drinking less alcohol and maintaining a “normal” weight.

More than 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year, and around 11,600 die from the disease. Estimates suggest that around 6% of these are linked to alcohol.

Dr Daniel Rea, chairman of the NCRI breast cancer clinical studies group, told BT.com:”We need to find the best time and place to provide this information and use these opportunities to help women know what choices can be made to cut their chances of developing the disease.”

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal in August, consuming one drink a day increases a person’s risk of developing cancer.