The risk of endometrial cancer (EC) is lowered by moderate drinking.
Study
The study looked at drinking and risk of EC. It followed 68,067 women who were age 35-59 at the start of the study. The doctors did for 30 years. They also measured the women’s alcohol drinking during that time.
Doctors found a total of 794 cases of endometrial cancer during the study. Compared to abstaining, light alcohol drinking was linked with a 22% lower risk of EC. There was no drinking level that had as high a risk of cancer as abstaining.
This study was based on a very large sample over a long period of time. Data collection was before rather than after the diagnoses of cancer. It is not subject to the errors of recall. In short, it is a very strong study.
Possible Signs of Endometrial Cancer
Some of the signs of endometrial cancer don’t appear until the disease is advanced.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, spotting or other discharge.
- Pain in the pelvis.
- A mass felt in the abdomen.
- Unintended weight loss.
Any of these may or may not be a sign of EC. But it’s best to see a doctor right away. The sooner the disease is found, the better the odds of successful treatment.
Endometrial Cancer Risk Factors
Alcohol is not a risk factor for EC. That’s the conclusion of major authoritative bodies. They include these.
The American Cancer Society provides statistics on the disease.
- Endometrial cancer usually develops over age 45.
- About three out of four occur over age 55.
- Over 600,000 women in the US are survivors of endometrial cancer.
It’s good to keep in mind that last fact
Resources: Risk of Endometrial Cancer
Web
Source
- Je, Y., et al. Long-term alcohol intake and risk of endometrial cancer in the Nurses’ Health Study. Brit. J. Can., 111, 186-19.
Popular Books
- Greggi, S. Endometrial Cancer. Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment.
- Kwabi-Addo, B. and Lindstrom, T. Cancer Causes and Controversies. Understanding Risk Reduction and Prevention. Clear facts on how to reduce risk of cancer.
- Rawls, G., et al. Managing Cancer. The African American’s Guide to Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment.
- Holford, P. and Efiong, L. Say No to Cancer. The Drug-free Guide to preventing and Helping Fight Cancer.
Note
- This site gives no advice. Please see your doctor for alcohol and risk of endometrial cancer concerns.