How Smoking and Drinking Affect Breast Cancer

Smoking and drinking alcohol are two common lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Smoking

Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens. These chemicals can damage DNA and lead to the development of cancer.

Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The risk of breast cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the number of years a woman has smoked.

Drinking alcohol

Alcohol consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Women who drink two or more alcoholic drinks per day have a significantly higher risk of breast cancer than women who do not drink alcohol.

The exact mechanisms by which smoking and drinking alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer are not fully understood. However, it is thought that these factors may:

* Damage DNA

* Alter the metabolism of hormones

* Stimulate the growth of cancer cells

* Suppress the immune system

Other risk factors for breast cancer

In addition to smoking and drinking alcohol, there are a number of other risk factors for breast cancer, including:

* Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age.

* Family history: Women who have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.

* Personal history of breast cancer: Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast have a higher risk of developing breast cancer in the other breast.

* Certain genetic mutations: Women who have certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

* Obesity: Obese women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer after menopause.

* Physical inactivity: Women who are physically inactive have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

* Exposure to radiation: Women who have been exposed to high levels of radiation, such as from X-rays or radiation therapy, have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Talk to your doctor about your risk of breast cancer

If you are concerned about your risk of breast cancer, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can assess your individual risk factors and recommend ways to reduce your risk.