Researchers Probe Little-Known Cancer Risks

Although recent medical advances have increased the sophistication and effectiveness of available cancer treatments, the overall mortality rate associated with all types of cancer remains high. In 2005, cancer eclipsed coronary heart disease as the number-one killer of Americans under the age of 85.

While this statistic is grim, the good news is that a great deal of recent research has been focused on identifying possible risk factors for cancer. By singling out the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle variables that are associated with a heightened cancer risk, researchers and public health experts can help us make more informed choices and ultimately, with luck, help reduce the overall rate of cancer.

Red meat, smoking, and asbestos exposure are all examples of well-known cancer risk factors. This week, we'll review a few lesser-known cancer risks that have emerged in recent research reports.

Daily Cocktails May Increase Women's Risk of Breast Cancer

Several recent studies have hinted at the role that significant alcohol intake may increase breast cancer risk, but the just-released results of a major study conducted by researchers at health-care provider Kaiser Permanente seems to verify this hypothesis.

According to the study, which studied the alcohol-breast cancer link in a population of more than 70,000 women, the risk increased considerably among women who consumed more than three drinks a day. Among this group, breast cancer was more than 30% more likely to occur than among the general population.

The researchers indicated that it did not matter whether the alcoholic beverages were wine, beer, or liquor-based -- the increased breast cancer risk remained stable as long as the average equivalent of three drinks per day was being consumed. The researchers also stated that the health benefits of consuming one glass of red wine per day were confirmed by the study's results.

Study Finds Possible Link Between Coronary Heart Disease and Colon Cancer

Colon cancer and coronary heart disease have long ranked among the most deadly health risks. Now, the findings of a recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Hong Kong may indicate that there is a causative link between these two diseases.

According to the results of the study, subjects with known cases of coronary heart disease were more likely to be found to have colorectal cancer growth. Among the 706 participants who were subjected to screening for colorectal cancer, the largest group of those who were found to have cancerous growths also had heart disease.

The researchers also pointed out that the two diseases share many of the same risk factors, including smoking, diabetes, and metabolic disturbances.

Chemical Used in Fast-Food Preparation of French Fries May Be Linked to Cancer Risk

It's already well-known that a large order of French fries from your neighborhood fast-food drive-thru isn't exactly full of wholesome, health-promoting ingredients. Among other things, fast-food French fries are laden with sodium that can boost blood pressure and trans fats that can promote obesity and high cholesterol.

But according to the results of several recent studies, the health risks associated with fast-food French fries may be even more serious than previously thought. Most significant is the belief that the cooking process of fast-food French fries may result in the production of acrylamide, a compound that is widely recognized as a cancer-causing carcinogen among human populations.

The supposition behind this theory holds that acrylamide is formed when naturally starchy foods like potatoes are cooked at high temperatures in sugar-containing liquids. Of chief concern is a transformation that takes place in the amino acids of the potatoes in this environment. Under the right conditions, high levels of acrylamide may be generated.

However, despite mixed results in several studies conducted in the period 2002-2005, recent investigations have shed doubt on the probability of the acrylamide-cancer link. Future studies, including further analysis of the vast body of data from the Nurse's Health Study, will likely revisit this question.

As always, it's important to take cancer risk factor studies with a grain of salt; overall, making an effort to make healthy lifestyle choices is the best way to prevent cancer. Consult with your physician or another licensed medical professional to develop a personal cancer risk profile and prevention plan, and be sure to come back each week for the health research news that helps you stay informed.