They are the problem drinkers missed by government efforts to curb alcohol misuse – women, often middle-class and professional, who share a bottle of wine with a partner over dinner each night, putting their health at risk.
Unnoticed because they do not cause a social nuisance or public disorder, women who quietly drink three or more glasses of wine, or equivalent, a day increase their risk of breast cancer by up to half, research shows. Alcohol is known to increase the risk of several cancers, in both sexes, including bowel cancer. But breast tissue is thought to be particularly sensitive to its carcinogenic effects according to a review of research by Helmut Seiz, of the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and colleagues. Women who consume one alcoholic drink a day have an increased risk of breast cancer of 4 per cent, in line with previous findings, based on an analysis of 113 studies involving 77,000 light drinkers. Among heavy drinkers, defined as three or more drinks a day, the risk is increased to 40 to 50 per cent.
Overall, alcohol drinking accounts for one in 20 cases of cancer in northern Europe and one in 10 in countries such as Italy and France, where drinking is more widespread among women. Breast cancer has soared in recent decades with new cases doubling since the early 1970s, partly driven by the rise in alcohol consumption. It is now the commonest cancer, with almost 49,000 cases and 12,000 deaths a year, despite affecting only one sex. However, it is less common than heart disease and strokes, which together kill 200,000 people a year – and alcohol is known to protect against these diseases.
In women, as little as one drink a week cuts the risk of heart attack and stroke by 36 per cent according to a 2007 European study. The upshot is that light drinking is overall protective – but heavier drinking is associated with rapidly increasing risks. Experts say weighing up these risks is a matter of personal choice. Although heart disease is more common, cancer is more feared. Women with a family history of heart disease may feel differently from those with a history of cancer. Three times more alcohol is now consumed per head as in the 1950s and it is estimated to cause 30,000 to 40,000 deaths a year. In addition to bowel cancer and breast cancer, there is also evidence that alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the liver, oesophagus, mouth, pharynx and larynx. In total, scientists estimate alcohol causes 20,000 cases of cancer a year.
The authors of the latest study, published in Alcohol and Alcoholism, suggest the effect of alcohol on the breast may be hormonal by raising levels of oestrogen. But they show no acknowledgment of the fact that many people enjoy a drink which plays an important part in their social lives.
One glass Increases risk of breast cancer by 4 to 5 per cent.
Two glasses Increase the risk by 25 to 35 per cent.
Three glasses Increase the risk by 40 to 50 per cent.
This behaviour I see on a daily basis. So much money is being put into criminal led alcohol abuse, repeat offenders, the disadvantaged, street drinkers, which is awesome, but my women who are just the average ladies walking through the supermarket, hoping that none of the cashiers notice that this the fourth trip in a week for supplies of wine and vodka, and it’s still only Thursday. These women are slipping through the net, for they have so much to loose with attitudes to alcoholism, status, reputation, respect and worse case scenario for all, their children. I receive no funding yet have a full diary.
It is not black and white in this industry. At one end of the scale you have the wealthy who can easily afford private detox, in my area here in Harrogate, currently costing £3,500 per week, if you are disadvantaged have no source of income can be treated freely via various charities, or my clients, who are piggy in the middle. They can’t afford financially to take 8 weeks out of their lives for residential rehab and all that it entails, nor can they take advantage of the free services. They are certainly not a minority group and deserve far more in terms of understanding and empathy. My clients are Britain’s hidden alcoholics. My work is marginalized for I am not in this business for awards, ticking boxes or squaring circles and attending strategy/system meetings. I cannot afford the time for pontificating for hours on end about the latest guidelines. The most successful recovery programmes are led by people just like me, who are actually in touch with the needs of clients. Our recovery rates have risen to over 85% after six months. Compared to the highest of 30% within the ‘ System’, I think the figures speak for themselves. The time surely must come for client led agencies, and not by those who really have no clue at all.
Sarah
I am Sarah Turner in my 50's married with two sons. I live in between two pretty villages, just outside of Harrogate in North Yorkshire. My vocation and passion has been to help Women and their families beat alcohol dependence and misuse for many years, and are not able to access appropriate care. Harrogate Sanctuary was born through my fight to find empathetic treatment when I desperately needed it, and failing abysmally. Although I am fully qualified on paper as an Addictions Counsellor and Congnitive Behavioural Therapist, I much prefer to use my own experience as a drunk up until my late thirties, to empathize and understand the problems that Women of today face with the effects and consequences of drinking too much. I adore my family, both human and animal, have three beloved chickens, . My garden never ceases to amaze, and now my boys are grown, I have rather taken to plants to vent my nurturing side. In addition to my own services to my clients, I campaign relentlessly to raise awareness of this hidden epidemic, that still remains such a taboo subject. In the 21st century, it's time for change. To this end I have also co-authored The Sober Revolution, Women calling Time on Wine O'clock, with my friend and ally Lucy Rocca, founder of Soberistas.com.
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