Alcohol Gene Interaction and Breast Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Stürmer T, Wang-Gohrke S, Arndt V, Boeing H, Kong X, Kreienberg R, Brenner H
Primary Institution: German Centre for Research on Ageing
Hypothesis
Is there an interaction between the ADH2 gene polymorphism, alcohol consumption, and the risk for breast cancer in Caucasian women?
Conclusion
The study found a significant interaction between the ADH2 polymorphism and alcohol consumption that affects breast cancer risk.
Supporting Evidence
- The ADH2 polymorphism was found in 3.0% of the population sample and 9.7% of women with breast cancer.
- Women with breast cancer who consumed alcohol less frequently had a higher prevalence of the ADH2 polymorphism.
- The study controlled for various known risk factors for breast cancer in its analysis.
Takeaway
This study shows that how much alcohol you drink can affect your risk of getting breast cancer, especially if you have a certain gene.
Methodology
The study used a case-only design to evaluate the interaction between the ADH2 polymorphism and alcohol consumption in women with breast cancer and a population sample.
Potential Biases
The case-only design may not account for all confounding factors, which could introduce bias.
Limitations
Potential for residual confounding by additional factors and the study's reliance on self-reported alcohol consumption.
Participant Demographics
The study included 467 women from the general population and 278 women with invasive breast cancer, primarily Caucasian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.02
Confidence Interval
0.2–1.7
Statistical Significance
p=0.02
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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