Even 1 glass of alcohol a day, such as a glass of wine or beer (about 10 grams of alcohol), can increase the risk of breast cancer both before and after menopause. This is according to the latest findings of the World Cancer Research Fund. Although no lifestyle offers a guarantee against cancer, according to researchers about 2 in 5 cases of breast cancer can be prevented by not drinking alcohol, exercising more and maintaining a healthy weight. The findings in the report also show that exercise may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Pre-menopausal breast cancer involves intense physical activity such as swimming and running.
The study confirms that being overweight and obese increases the risk of developing breast cancer after menopause, the most common form of breast cancer. Overweight and obesity are also known to increase the risk of 10 other cancers, including colon, liver and pancreatic cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the Netherlands. In 2016, according to the Dutch Cancer Registry, administered by IKNL, more than 14,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. More than 3,000 women die of breast cancer every year.
To reduce the risk of breast cancer, the World Cancer Research Fund advises not to drink or drink less alcohol, to exercise more and to maintain a healthy weight.
