february 2024

Lifetime alcohol consumption patterns and young-onset breast cancer by subtype among Non-Hispanic Black and White women in the Young Women’s Health History Study

PURPOSE: The role of alcohol in young-onset breast cancer (YOBC) is unclear. We examined associations between lifetime alcohol consumption and YOBC in the Young Women’s Health History Study, a population-based case-control study of breast cancer among Non-Hispanic Black and White women < 50 years of age.

METHODS: Breast cancer cases (n = 1,812) were diagnosed in the Metropolitan Detroit and Los Angeles County SEER registry areas, 2010-2015. Controls (n = 1,381) were identified through area-based sampling and were frequency-matched to cases by age, site, and race. Alcohol consumption and covariates were collected from in-person interviews. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was conducted to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between alcohol consumption and YOBC overall and by subtype (Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2, or triple negative).

RESULTS: Lifetime alcohol consumption was not associated with YOBC overall or with subtypes (all p(trend) >/= 0.13). Similarly, alcohol consumption in adolescence, young and middle adulthood was not associated with YOBC (all p(trend) >/= 0.09). An inverse association with triple-negative YOBC, however, was observed for younger age at alcohol use initiation (< 18 years vs. no consumption), aOR (95% CI) = 0.62 (0.42, 0.93). No evidence of statistical interaction by race or household poverty was observed.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest alcohol consumption has a different association with YOBC than postmenopausal breast cancer-lifetime consumption was not linked to increased risk and younger age at alcohol use initiation was associated with a decreased risk of triple-negative YOBC. Future studies on alcohol consumption in YOBC subtypes are warranted.

Additional Info

  • Authors

    Hirko K. A.; Lucas D. R.; Pathak D. R.; Hamilton A. S.; Post L. M.; Ihenacho U.; Carnegie N. B.; Houang R. T.; Schwartz K.; Velie E. M.
  • Issue

    Periodical: Cancer Causes Control - Volume: 35 - Number: 2 - Edition: 20231003
  • Published Date

    february 2024