Alcohol Consumption Reported To Cause Breast Cancer
As a study published! in New England Journal of Medicine reveals that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with higher incidence of breast cancer. Even its moderate consumption can increase the chances to develop breast cancer. Whether alcoholism is cause of breast cancer or it is just statistical association, needs to be verified. The study has alarmed the medical professional who is gradually becoming aware of some of the potential side effects of alcohol consumption.
On the other hand’ increased of the public about the riots effects of alcohol appear to be bearing the fruits. The sixth special report to Congress, documents progress in understanding the effects of alcohol on health and include data showing a continued decline in per capita consumption of alcohol beverages. Study indicates that percapit a consumption in 1981 was 2.76 gallows of absolute alcohol and it dropped to 2.65 gallows in 1984. Also there is dropping in 10% of alcohol related traffic accidents from 198084.
Other interesting findings included in this study are:
* Eighteen million adults 18 years of age and older have an alcohol related problem. Of these, 10.6 million suffer from alcoholism.
* The evidence for a genetic component to alcoholism continues to mount, including evidence of differences between the brain electrical patterns of nonalcoholic people with alcoholic immediate family members and those of nonalcoholic people with no family history of alcoholism.
* Alcohol use is a factor in nearly half of an accidental deaths, suicides, and homicides, including deaths from motor vehicle accidents. In 1985, nearly 18,000 traffic deaths in the United States were alcohol related.
* Alcohol tolerance, physical dependence, and alcohol withdrawal syndrome may be caused by changes within the brain’s neuronal membranes that are produced by chronic alcohol consumption. Moderate drinking also may impair cognitive efficiency.
* Alcohol consumption can have an adverse effect on heart tissue, even in young adults, and is associated with hypertension and possibly with. Blood coagulation disorders.
* Chronic alcohol consumption causes marked endocrine abnormalities in men and women. These endocrine disturbances contribute to menstrual disturbances, infertility, and hormonal imbalances in women. In men, they can reduce the levels of circulating testosterone, which can produce the development of female hair patterns and breast enlargement.
* Alcohol use can increase susceptibility to infectious diseases because of alcohol’s ability to interfere with the immune defense system.
* Findings show a relationship between the price of alcoholic beverages and alcohol related problems.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 10, 1987
