Teen Drinking May Boost Odds of Precancerous Breast Changes The
more alcohol consumed, the higher the likelihood, researchers
say. MONDAY, April 9, 2012 (HealthDay News) — Teenage girls and
young adult women who drink even moderate amounts of alcohol
appear to increase their risk of developing breast changes that
can lead to cancer, according to a large new study. The study,
which followed more than 29,000 females, found that for each 10
grams of alcohol (the equivalent of about one drink) consumed
each day, the risk of developing these noncancerous cells and
lesions — called proliferative benign breast disease (BDD) —
increased 15 percent. "It's clear that this study shows that
late adolescent alcohol [drinking] drives up the risk of these
preliminary benign changes in the breast," said Dr. Graham
Colditz, a professor of surgery and associate director for
prevention and control at the Siteman Cancer Center of
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "The risk
is substantial," Colditz said. The