What's your drink of choice? A drink that helps you have a fun night with your friends? Or the one that accompanies you during nights when anxiety consumes you? Regardless of why you drink and what you drink, alcohol consumption is something you need to do in moderation. Everyone is well aware of how liquors can impact a person's health. You can still have those exciting night outs with wine or cocktails, but moderation is key.

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It's important to know that alcohol can influence whether women acquire breast cancer, especially if the drinking habit is severe. For this reason, doctors highly encourage patients to be completely honest about alcohol consumption. That one detail offers extra help to gather sufficient information during a diagnosis, and it's useful to give patients treatment plans.

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According to research, alcohol, whether it's beer, wine, or liquor, can deteriorate DNA in cells and level up estrogen. Both factors largely contribute to the development of breast cancer in a woman's body. Consuming alcoholic beverages thrice a week can increase breast cancer risk by fifteen percent, and taking one extra drink a day can even increase the threat by ten percent. It was only one drink, but it could already lead to so much damage.

"Alcohol has a direct effect on the liver, where estrogen is produced," Dr. Evie Hobbs shared. "Patients who have moderate to high alcohol consumption have higher levels of estrogen in their bodies," added the breast cancer doctor and assistant professor of hematology and oncology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. For this reason, it's much more advisable to opt for non-alcoholic drinks — none or next to none is best. But in any case, don't lie to your doctor about your alcohol consumption.

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The American Cancer Society suggests it's best not to drink alcohol to prevent the increased risk of breast cancer. The organization presented Guidelines for Diet and Exercise to support cancer prevention. "A healthy dietary pattern doesn't have much room for extra added sugars, saturated fat, or sodium — or for alcoholic beverages," the Dietary Guidelines say. "Drinking less is better for health than drinking more."

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Furthermore, alcohol is one of the root causes of chronic inflammation. “An efficient, effective immune system is your body’s best way of defeating cancer before it begins and your best ally in responding to treatment,” says Doctor Hobbs. “But chronic inflammation tends to suppress or weaken the immune system.” Aside from breast cancer, alcohol consumption can make a person more prone to colon cancer.

Another factor that aggravates the effects of alcoholic beverages is leading a sedentary lifestyle. People who don't engage in any form of exercise and attend health checkups are more likely to develop cancer. Your lifestyle is undoubtedly a vital contributor to your overall health. During your next medical checkup, you should ensure that you answer your doctor honestly. With accurate information comes a suitable treatment plan for you.

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Being honest with your doctor might mean less fun for you, but your life can be saved from years of dread. Try to lessen alcohol intake — find alternative ways to have an exciting night. Choose a better companion when stress becomes overwhelming. Alcohol isn't always the answer — slowly let go of the bad habits you may have built and follow the guidance of a medical professional.