Few people know it, but even small quantities of alcohol increase the risk of developing breast cancer, as explained by Nicolas Prisse, president of MILDECA (Interministerial Mission to Combat Drugs and Addictive Behaviors).
A risk factor still underestimated
The month of October is dedicated each year to raising awareness of cancer be you through the operation “Pink October.” This disease, more common among women, affects nearly one in eight during their lifetime. In 2023, more than 61,000 new cases have been recorded in France. However, despite its scale, the awareness of risk factors, particularly linked to alcohol consumptionremains limited. Each year, around 8,000 cases of breast cancer in France are attributed to alcohol consumption, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCa). The World Health Organization (WHO) has also recalled that alcohol is a risk factor for at least six types of cancer, including breast cancer.
How does alcohol influence breast cancer risk?
Two hypotheses are mainly mentioned by specialists. First of all, the degradation ofalcohol in the body releases a toxic chemical compound that can damage the DNA of breast cells. Next, alcohol disrupts hormonal levels, notably by increasing the level of estrogen, a hormone often linked to the proliferation of cancer cells in the breast. Other hypotheses put forward by associations like Ruban Rose suggest that alcohol could also reduce the absorption of certain essential nutrients, such as folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamins A and C, which play a protective role against cellular damage.
Source : Femina.fr
