Quick Poll results from the January Issue of OncoFacts 2010

Alcohol consumption is known to increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. For women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, how many drinks per week increase the risk for recurrence of their breast cancer?

Discussion

Answer - #4

Kwan et al presented results of the Life After Cancer Epidemiology (LACE) study at the 2009 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). Life After Cancer Epidemiology  is a prospective cohort study that accrued 1897 women with early-stage breast cancer who had completed treatment for early-stage breast cancer except for endocrine therapy, and were recurrence-free. The women submitted annual questionnaires that assessed recurrence and mortality. They also answered questions regarding their alcohol consumption including the frequency and serving size of alcohol over the last 12 months. A medium-sized drink (0.6 oz.) was defined as 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1 oz of liquor.

There were 349 breast cancer recurrences among the 1897 women (18%), and 332 deaths, of which 189 (57%) were from breast cancer. About half of the women drank >5 ounces of alcohol per day and were considered drinkers. The trial showed that drinking more than 6 oz. of alcohol per day, which equated to about 3-4 drinks per week, was associated with an increased risk for recurrence and death. The impact of alcohol was greatest in women who were postmenopausal and were overweight or obese.

Reference
Kwan ML, Kushi LH, Weltzien E, Castillo A, Caan BJ, et al. Alcohol and breast cancer survival in a prospective cohort study. Cancer Res. 2009;69(24 Suppl 3). Abstract 17 and oral presentation at: San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; December 9 – 13, 2009. San Antonio, TX.

 

* The aggregate results from this question were compiled from the responses submitted by oncologists who participated in the OncoFacts Quick Poll monthly question.