Tag: breast cancer

Alcohol and Cancer: What You Need to Know

As Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy warned about alcohol’s link to cancer, highlighting that many Americans are unaware of this risk. Alcohol is a significant preventable cancer cause, with various mechanisms contributing to its carcinogenic effects. Education is prioritized over prohibition, urging informed decision-making about alcohol consumption.

Before the end of his term as Surgeon General this year, Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory about alcohol and its association with cancer. Known as the “Nation’s Doctor”, the Surgeon General informs Americans about the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.

President Trump has appointed two physicians to become the new Surgeon General. The first nomination was withdrawn and the second is pending Senate confirmation.

In this post I explain what Dr. Murthy wanted Americans to know about the risk of alcohol drinking so we can make wise decisions about our personal alcohol use.

Alcohol-Leading Preventable Cause of Cancer

Alcohol use is common—in 2019-2020, 72% of U.S. adults reported they consumed one or more drinks per week. But less than half of U.S. adults are aware of the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.

The direct link between alcohol use and cancer was first established in the late 1980s, and evidence for this link has strengthened over time.

The risk of cancer is greater with larger amounts of daily alcohol consumption. However, since most people drink small or moderate amounts, there are many alcohol related cases in these groups.

The three leading preventable causes of cancer in the United States are tobacco use, obesity, and alcohol drinking.

Alcohol and Cancer Risk Advisory

How Alcohol Can Cause Cancer

First, alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde in the body. Acetaldehyde causes cancer by binding to and damaging DNA. When DNA is damaged, a cell can grow uncontrollably and create a cancerous tumor.

Second, alcohol creates “oxidative stress”, which increases inflammation and can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids in the body through a process called oxidation.

Third, alcohol alters hormone levels (including estrogen), which play a role in breast cancer.

Fourth, carcinogens from other sources, especially particles of tobacco smoke, can dissolve in alcohol, making it easier for them to be absorbed into the body, increasing the risk for mouth and throat cancers.

The best-established evidence is on the first two pathways of acetaldehyde and inflammation.

Hormonal regulation and alcohol as a solvent are widely thought to be important pathways for carcinogenesis but are not yet fully understood.

Research also continues on other possible mechanisms, including folate deficiency.

Men and Women are at Risk from Alcohol

Alcohol Associated Cancers

Alcohol drinking contributes to at least seven cancers, all of which are among the most common. These include cancers of the mouth and throat, the larynx (voice box), the esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breast in women.

Recommendations to Lower the Risk of Alcohol Related Cancer

The only way to completely eliminate the risk of cancer from alcohol use is to refrain from drinking alcohol. However, no one suggests we should make it illegal to make, sell, or drink alcohol.

The United States tried that in the early 20th century in what was known as Prohibition. But even laws did not stop the flow of alcohol so the law was repealed.

Now the emphasis is on education so people know the risk and make informed decisions about their alcohol use. There are warning labels on bottles of alcohol, for other health-related risks.

In the U.S., pursuant to 27 U.S.C. 215, every alcoholic beverage sold in the United States must currently have the following health warning label: “GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.”

This label statement has remained unchanged since its inception in 1988.The power to change the label statement lies with Congress.

Given the conclusive evidence on the cancer risk from alcohol consumption, the Surgeon General recommends an update to the Surgeon General’s warning label for alcohol-containing beverages to include a cancer risk warning.

What you can do to lower your cancer risk

People who are already at increased risk of certain cancers will want to consider their alcohol use carefully. For example, people with a family history of colon cancer may want to drink minimal amounts, if at all.

Women who have had breast cancer may want to refrain from any alcohol use. Talk to your doctor about your cancer risk factors and any behaviors that put you at increased risk.

Assess your drinking behavior and the need for change at this link

RETHINKING DRINKING

You can read the full advisory and find other resources at this link from HHS.

Alcohol and Cancer Risk

Information about breast cancer in a previous post

Observing Breast Cancer Awareness

In October, awareness of breast cancer is highlighted. This common cancer affects both women and men, with various types identified. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle. Early detection and preventive measures can significantly improve outcomes, emphasizing the need for education and support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Keep reading
Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.'s avatar by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

This blog post discusses how to apply statistics to understand risk.

Post Images

The graphics in this post are from the HHS website, Office of the Surgeon General.

A post about the former Surgeon General

Dr. Murthy’s Parting Prescription

In this post I review outgoing U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s “Parting Prescription for America” . He reminds us of the importance of rebuilding community through relationships, service, and purpose. The erosion of community leads to disconnection and poor health. Dr. Murthy advocates for a cultural shift towards fulfillment and connection as a path…

Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.'s avatar by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

Exploring the HEART of health

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

Observing Breast Cancer Awareness

In October, awareness of breast cancer is highlighted. This common cancer affects both women and men, with various types identified. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle. Early detection and preventive measures can significantly improve outcomes, emphasizing the need for education and support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Health issues are usually not the major concerns when it comes to elections, but they are related to the major issues, like the cost of living, taxes, and crime.

Among the major campaign issues are health-related concerns, including women’s reproductive care, gun violence, opioid addiction and deaths, mental health crises, and the cost of healthcare.

So it is appropriate that in October awareness of two major health issues are observed. This post highlights one of them, breast cancer.

Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com

This information is current as of the date of original publication or update. It may have changed by the time you read this. I invite you to fact-check what you read here.

This information is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Before making health decisions, discuss with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider to decide what is right for you.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast change and grow out of control. The cells usually form a tumor.

Sometimes the cancer does not spread any further. This is called “in situ.” Cancer that spreads outside the breast is called “invasive.” It may spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes or metastasize through the lymph system or the blood, spreading to other sites in the body.

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women in the United States. It can also affect men.

What are the types of breast cancer?

There are different types of breast cancer. The types are based on which breast cells turn into cancer. The types include:

  • Ductal carcinoma, which begins in the cells of the ducts, is the most common type.
  • Lobular carcinoma, which begins in the lobules, is more often found in both breasts than other types of breast cancer.
  • Inflammatory breast cancer has cancer cells that block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. In this rare type, the breast becomes warm, red, and swollen.
  • Paget’s disease of the breast, is a rare cancer involving the skin of the nipple and the darker skin around the nipple. It is also rare.

What causes breast cancer?

Breast cancer happens when there are changes in the genetic material (DNA). Often, the exact cause of these genetic changes is unknown.

In some women, these genetic changes are inherited. Breast cancer caused by inherited genetic changes is called hereditary breast cancer.

Some genetic changes raise your risk of breast cancer, including changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and also increase your risk of ovarian and other cancers.

Besides genetics, your lifestyle and the environment can affect your risk of breast cancer.

Who is at risk for breast cancer?

  • Older age
  • History of breast cancer or benign (noncancer) breast disease
  • Inherited risk of breast cancer, including having BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene changes
  • Dense breast tissue
  • A reproductive history that leads to more exposure to the estrogen hormone, including
    • Menstruating at an early age
    • Being at an older age when you first gave birth or never having given birth
    • Starting menopause at a later age
  • Taking hormone therapy for symptoms of menopause
  • Radiation therapy to the breast or chest
  • Obesity
  • Drinking alcohol

What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?

  • A new lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the armpit.
  • A change in the size or shape of the breast.
  • A dimple or puckering in the skin of the breast. It may look like the skin of an orange.
  • A nipple turned inward into the breast.
  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk. The discharge might happen suddenly, be bloody, or happen in only one breast.
  • Scaly, red, or swollen skin in the nipple area or the breast
  • Pain in any area of the breast.
a mammogram image
a mammogram revealing a breast cancer image source- National Library of Medicine, Open-i

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Your health care provider may use many tools to diagnose breast cancer and figure out which type you have:

  • A clinical breast exam, checking for lumps or anything else that seems unusual with the breasts and armpits.
  • Imaging tests, such as a mammogram, an ultrasound, or an MRI.
  • Breast biopsy.

If cancer is diagnosed, you need tests that study the cancer cells so your physician can decide which treatment is best for you.

  • Genetic tests for genetic changes such as in the BRCA and TP53 genes.
  • HER2 test. HER2 is a protein involved with cell growth, on the outside of all breast cells. If your breast cancer cells have more HER2 than normal, they can grow more quickly and spread to other parts of the body.
  • An estrogen and progesterone receptor test measuring the amount of estrogen and progesterone (hormones) receptors in cancer tissue. If there are more receptors than normal, the cancer is called estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positive, may grow more quickly.

Staging involves doing tests to find out whether the cancer has spread within the breast or to other parts of the body. The tests may include other diagnostic imaging tests and a sentinel lymph node biopsy to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

What are the treatments for breast cancer?

  • A lumpectomy to remove just the cancerous lump
  • A mastectomy to remove the entire breast
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy, which blocks cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow
  • Targeted therapy, which uses drugs or other substances that attack specific cancer cells with less harm to normal cells
  • Immunotherapy

Breast cancer death rates declined 42% from 1989
to 2021 among women. The progress is attributed
to improvements in early detection and treatments.

American Cancer Society

Can breast cancer be prevented?

You may be able to help prevent breast cancer by making healthy lifestyle changes that help lower your risk of breast cancer.

  • Staying at a healthy weight
  • Limiting alcohol use
  • Getting enough exercise
  • Limiting your exposure to estrogen
  • Breastfeeding
  • Preventive medications for women at high risk
  • Preventive mastectomy, also for high-risk
  • Mammograms-not to prevent cancer but may prevent death if cancer is caught in an early, easier to treat stage

Adapted from NIH: National Cancer Institute

CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program offers free or low-cost mammograms to women who have low incomes and are uninsured or underinsured. Find out if you qualify.

Get involved with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and access resources for education and support for those with breast cancer. Visit the

National Breast Cancer Foundation

Bring Your Brave Campaign

CDC launched Bring Your Brave in 2015 to provide information about breast cancer to women younger than age 45. The campaign tells real stories about young women whose lives have been affected by breast cancer. These stories about prevention, risk, family history, and survivorship bring to life the idea that young women can be personally affected by breast cancer.

Through these testimonials, Bring Your Brave aims to inspire young women to learn their risk for breast cancer, talk with their health care provider about their risk, and live a healthy lifestyle.

For more information

Exploring the HEART of Health

I hope you have learned something about breast cancer that motivates you to guard your health. If you are a breast cancer survivor I invite you to share your story in the comments, your experiences can help someone else.

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

I reviewed a book written by a cancer doctor and breast cancer survivor, Dr. Lori Leifer. Read it at this link.

After You Hear It’s Cancer-a book review

“After You Hear It’s Cancer” by Dr. Lori Leifer and John Leifer offers a comprehensive guide for navigating cancer diagnosis and treatment. Drawing on personal experiences, the authors provide practical advice on various stages of cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment challenges, along with resources for support and advocacy.

Keep reading

Dr. Aletha