Ohio State Researcher Warns Fewer Than 1 in 3 Young Women Know Alcohol Raises Breast Cancer Risk
Updated
Updated · WDBJ · May 26
Ohio State Researcher Warns Fewer Than 1 in 3 Young Women Know Alcohol Raises Breast Cancer Risk
2 articles · Updated · WDBJ · May 26
Less than one-third of young adult women recognize that drinking alcohol increases breast cancer risk, Ohio State researcher Darren Mays said, highlighting broad gaps in younger adults’ awareness of alcohol-linked cancers.
Alcohol is tied to at least seven cancers, including breast, colorectal, liver, mouth, throat, voice box and esophageal cancers, yet Mays said public understanding lags behind awareness of smoking, diet and exercise risks.
Earlier drinking can raise both lifetime breast cancer risk and the chance of early-onset breast cancer in young women, according to Mays.
Ohio State researchers are testing what messages might prompt young women to rethink drinking habits, while stressing that cutting back or avoiding alcohol can lower cancer risk alongside other factors such as genetics and environment.