Imperial College London study links alcohol and BMI to breast cancer risk

New research suggests that women in their 30s and 40s should be specifically warned about the risks of alcohol consumption and excess body fat to help reduce breast cancer rates. The study, published in Scientific Reports, analyzed data from more than 110,000 women participating in the Breast Cancer Now Generations Study.

Researchers from Imperial College London and The Institute of Cancer Research found that lifestyle risk factors vary significantly across different life stages. While adolescence and early adulthood are critical periods for encouraging physical activity and preventing rapid weight gain, the period from the 30s to the 50s is a key window for addressing rising body mass index (BMI) and increased alcohol consumption.

Professor Marc Gunter, chairman in cancer epidemiology and prevention at Imperial College London, noted that identifying these behavioral transitions could allow for more tailored public health strategies. Experts estimate that approximately one-quarter of breast cancers could be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing alcohol intake.