Alcohol

LisaEgnash
LisaEgnash Member Posts: 2 *
in Breast Cancer #1

I was just diagnosed. I’m having surgery next week. I just went to my primary MD for the pre-op and she said I have to quit drinking because it would increase the chances of reoccurrence. I wouldn’t say I’m an alcoholic but there’s a lot of wine at book club, out to eat and various parties every week. What if I just cut back? I didn’t really plan on completely changing my lifestyle.

Comments

  • catlady2
    catlady2 Member Posts: 52 Member
    #2

    Everything that I have read points to alcohol as a risk factor in recurrence. Personally I never want to go through the treatment and subsequent fear of getting cancer again. If that means giving up drinking, so be it. I went through treatment 6 years ago and have not had a drink since then. Would I love a drink now and then absolutely! But staying alive and healthy is more important than the immediate satisfaction of a drink. My friends are supportive when I tell them I don't drink. Some of them do not know I am a cancer surviver. Bottom line, read up on alchohol and the risk for recurrence and make an informed decision. Best wishes for successful surgery and whatever treatment comes afterwards….

  • LisaEgnash
    LisaEgnash Member Posts: 2 *
    #3
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1719029#Comment_1719029

    Thank you Catlady! I appreciate your perspective. I’m pretty sure I can cut back 75-90%. I'm with you, I’d hate to go through this again. I’ve learned life isn’t a guarantee but a gift. There are some websites saying there is no correlation between reoccurring and alcohol but it only makes sense that it would be since it’s a risk factor.

  • bettytatA62
    bettytatA62 Member Posts: 3 Member
    #4

    Maybe it’s not the alcohol, but the sugar. Anything with sugar seems to be bad for the body and mind. I’ve read often that alcohol is just bad for the body, so I stay clear of all alcohol and most sugars since I was diagnosed. I also stay away from red meat, fried friends, processed food, chemical laden foods. I’m not 100% vegetarian but I really focus on what veggies nuts and fruits to eat and how to eat them. I don’t focus on what I can’t have because the shock my diagnosis gave me really turned me off from bad foods and drinks. But I would be lying if I said I never miss a martini every once in a while.

  • Heritage07
    Heritage07 Member Posts: 2 Member
    #5

    I follow more of a ‘everything in moderation’ lifestyle. I don’t drink alcohol often, but if I want a drink, I will have it. Same holds true for all other drinks and foods. There are no guarantees in life so I do not believe in robbing myself of all enjoyment. Plenty of women (and men) are super healthy and fit and still get cancer or any one of a multitude of serious illnesses. Best wishes with your treatment.

  • RocDocVic
    RocDocVic Member Posts: 134 Member
    #6
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/328695/alcohol

    In my opinion there is no scientific data showing that if you drink in moderation, and eat a healthy balanced diet, then cancer has a higher risk of recurrence. I would ask your doctor for the studies that were performed and what the specific risk rates are. FWIW I still have wine with my dinner.

  • catlady2
    catlady2 Member Posts: 52 Member
    #7

    From the American Cancer society:

    "Breast cancer:

     Drinking even small amounts of alcohol is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer in women. Alcohol can raise estrogen levels in the body, which may explain some of the increased risk. Avoiding or cutting back on alcohol may be an important way for many women to lower their risk of breast cancer. "

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