What constitutes moderate drinking? Coffee okay?
Meet the Experts
Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D. is a registered dietitian in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a two-time breast cancer survivor.
Jennifer Sabol, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon who directs the newly developed Breast Care Center at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa. Among her many interests, Dr. Sabol spearheads several research initiatives to advance the care for women with breast cancer and improve methods of breast cancer detection and treatment.
Question from JJR: I'm interested in knowing what constitutes moderate drinking for women? I've seen conflicting reports ranging from 1 glass of wine a day to 3-4 drinks per week. Can you also comment on whether coffee is bad? I have been told by a naturopath that the coffee bean promotes breast cell growth.
- Answers —Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D.: For wine, the recommendation that I have seen consistently for women is that one 4-5 ounce glass per day is considered moderate drinking. For coffee, the study that I always go back to review comes from Sweden, and shows absolutely no connection between coffee intake and breast cancer incidence. Sweden has the highest consumption of coffee in the world, so that is the population with the highest consumption and no increase across the board in breast cancer incidence.
- Jennifer Sabol, M.D., F.A.C.S.: I'm exceedingly glad to hear that! With two small children, there's no way I'd make it through the morning without coffee!
On Wednesday, November 15, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Eating and Drinking Through the Holidays. Diana Dyer, M.S., R.D. and moderator Jennifer Sabol, M.D. answered your questions about how to stay healthy during the most hectic, high-calorie time of year.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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