Nationwide -- Many studies have found that alcohol can increase a woman's risk for breast cancer. Now a new study suggests one type of alcohol in moderation may lower it.
New research shows drinking red wine in moderation may help lower a woman's chances of the disease. Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA looked at 36 younger women who drank eight ounces of cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay daily for almost a month, and then switched to the other other type of wine for a month. They saw a difference in the women who drank red.
Dr. Chrisandra Shufelt says that's encouraging because the change in hormone patterns suggests red wine may prevent the growth of cancer cells
These new findings challenge much of the current research on alcohol and breast cancer. One study late last year that found women had a 15-percent increased chance of breast cancer if they drank three to six drinks a week.
Dr. Shufelt says they didn't see the same protective effects with white wine but that doesn't mean white wine ups the cancer risk
More research is needed to confirm this small study. The study authors say just how safe and effective red wine is in reducing cancer risk remains to be seen.
CBS News