New research indicates even one glass of alcohol a day can increase the risk for breast cancer. Science is helping Canadian women avoid the cancer they are most likely to get.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Luis Hidalgo

Breast cancer common but some is preventable

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among Canadian women, but up to one third of cases can be prevented, according to research. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Canada and a time when inventive events are planned to raise money for research into the disease.

Much good research is done in Canada but cancer groups use studies from around the world to formulate recommendations on how to avoid and treat breast cancer.

ListenRisks include alcohol, inactivity, overweight

For example, a recent analysis of several studies indicates that even a moderate intake of alcohol, like one drink a day, can increase the risk for breast cancer. More than one hundred studies have indicated that women who are active reduce their risk of getting breast cancer by 20-25 per cent. And being overweight increases the risk of breast and other cancers.

The child-bearing habits of Canadian women can increase their risk. They often postpone having children and have few of them. But that is a life style that is difficult to change.

Groups like the Canadian Cancer Society lobby governments to make changes to help people avoid some of the risks. Making cities more convenient for walking and encouraging physical activity are among them. They also work to translate research results into advice for people.

“I am really encouraged by some of the amazing research that we’ve seen around the world but particularly in Canada,” says Gillian Bromfield, director of cancer control policy for the Canadian Cancer Society. “But I think we have a long way to go in turning the research findings into behaviour changes. That’s an area that we’re really excited about moving forward with. We think it’s a lot of work, but we will get there.”
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