For the report, researchers examined data on 12 million women and 260,000 cases of breast cancer in nearly 120 studies.
Drinking approximately 10 grams of alcohol — which is comparable to a small glass of wine or beer a day — increases the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer by 5 percent and the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer by 9 percent, according to the report. A standard drink is considered 14 grams of alcohol.
The report also links vigorous exercise such as running or fast bicycling to a reduction in breast cancer risk. Researchers found a 17 percent lower breast cancer risk among the most active pre-menopausal women and a 10 percent lower risk among the most active post-menopausal women when compared to their least active peers. Additionally, moderate activity, such as walking and gardening, was associated with a 13 percent lower risk, according to the report.
“It can be confusing with single studies when the findings get swept back and forth,” Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD, a lead author of the report and cancer prevention expert at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, said in a news release.
“With this comprehensive and up-to-date report the evidence is clear: Having a physically active lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight throughout life and limiting alcohol — these are all steps women can take to lower their risk.”
Read the full report here.
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