Think Pinker

Just when we think a glass of wine a day is good for us, we discover perhaps that’s not the case. Recent studies have indicated that just one glass of red wine a day is good for the heart. All those healthy tannins protect the heart.

But wait –according to a recent study a glass of wine a day could be hazardous to your health – well at least when it comes to breast cancer. So you can imagine the shock among women who were asked if they were aware of the increased risk of breast cancer just because they enjoyed a glass of wine.

80% of women did not know that alcohol would increase their risk of breast cancer. But by how much. That’s even more shocking. According to Telegraph “It is estimated that: those who drink three units a day increase their risk by a fifth, two large glasses increases the risk by a third and nine units a day raise the risk by half.”

That’s pretty alarming considering around 4 million women will drink two to three units of wine every day. That’s the equivalent to one large 250 mil glass of wine.

It’s important to realize that there are many risk factors associated with breast cancer including genetics. However reducing your alcohol consumption can produce significant changes to your decreased risk of breast cancer. According to the experts it’s never to late to reduce the amount of alcohol you consume.

If you’re confused you are not alone! It seems one day we should have a glass of wine and then the next day we shouldn’t. So what should you do? If you enjoy a glass of wine now and then you probably don’t need to worry. Remember moderation is always key whether it’s alcohol or anything else, know your family history and whether breast cancer is predominant in your family, do regular self breast examinations, have a regular clinical breast examination, and have your mammograms done. Most important don’t spend your life worrying about the what ifs. Instead enjoy life!