Three Lifestyle Habits...

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That Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

The treatment of breast cancer is a struggle for many women and few want to undergo it a second time; but breast cancer can recur. Most recurrences occur within the first three years after the initial diagnosis; and can be a local recurrence or a recurrence at a distant site – a frightening prospect for most women. A new study shows that there are three important factors that increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Fortunately, the effect of these three factors can be reduced by making simple lifestyle changes.

In a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, researchers found that smoking, drinking alcohol, and obesity all increased the risk of breast cancer recurrence. This association held true only for estrogen receptor positive breast cancers – the most common type diagnosed in women. Estrogen receptor positive tumors or ER positives are tumors that are stimulated to grow by the presence of estrogen.

In determining this association, researchers looked at 365 women who had a first breast tumor that was estrogen receptor positive and then followed them to see if a second breast cancer developed. The results? They found that being a current smoker elevated the risk of breast cancer recurrence by a whopping 120 percent! Drinking a glass or more or alcohol a day elevated the risk by eighty percent; and being obese increased the risk by forty percent.

Why does being obese, smoking and using alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence? Estrogen receptor positive breast cancers are stimulated to grow by the presence of estrogen. People who are overweight or obese have more fat cells that produce estrogen – providing lots of hormonal fuel for the growth of breast tumors. Alcohol can alter estrogen metabolism by the liver which can lead to higher estrogen levels that can also stimulate tumor growth. Studies have shown that people who are obese or use alcohol are at higher risk of developing a primary breast cancer. It’s unclear how smoking causes an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence.

This new research is good news for women who have had breast cancer in the past. It shows that making lifestyle changes such as giving up alcohol and smoking, losing weight, and starting an exercise program can reduce the risk of developing a second breast cancer. It also shows that women do have some control over their risk of breast cancer recurrence which is important since many women feel helpless after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis.

Lifestyle changes can make a difference in the risk of breast cancer recurrence and can positively affect health in general. To reduce the risk of breast cancer, ditch the cigarettes and alcohol and start eating a healthier diet.

by Dr.Kristie
I'm a medical doctor with a concentration in family practice. I also have an undergraduate degree in both Biology and Psychology as well a master's in Clinical Pathology. I've been a published writer for the last two years and was named one of Associated Content's top 1,000 writers.