Myth busting: Caffeine not related to breast cancer

It’s hard to miss out on life just because you feel scared. Truth be told, there are a lot of things to be scared about in this world. But this isn’t any reason to stop living your life the way you want to. Because the truth is that you don’t have to be scared if you know the facts.

Fact is, caffeine consumption is not related to breast cancer. The disease has gained more awareness in recent years, and rightfully so. It is a reality that women have to be educated about. But sometimes, sorting between truth and myth can be tricky. One of these myths links soft drink consumption, which has caffeine, with the disease.

But that’s not true. Think about it. Could a complex disease such as breast cancer really be caused by something as simple as a beverage? You know the answer, of course not! Instead of believing the myths, here is the reality; straight and undiluted for your information.

A study entitled “Caffeine consumption and the risk of breast cancer in a large prospective cohort of women” compared the caffeine consumption of 38,432 women, 45 years or older. The researchers looked at consumption of caffeine and products which contain caffeine — coffee, tea, caffeinated cola, low-calorie caffeinated cola, chocolate, decaffeinated coffee, decaffeinated cola, and low-calorie decaffeinated cola — and found they were not statistically significantly associated with overall risk of breast cancer (K. Ishitani, J. Lin, J.E. Manson, J. Buring, S. Zhang. 2008).

Published in the October 13, 2008 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, the study concluded, “In this large cohort of women, we found that consumption of caffeine and caffeinated beverages and foods was not significantly associated with overall risk of breast cancer (K. Ishitani, J. Lin, J.E. Manson, J. Buring, S. Zhang. 2008).”

Furthermore, the study cited the findings of the Iowa Women’s Health Study and the Nurses’ Health Study, in which there were no associations between caffeine consumption and risk of breast cancer.

Caffeine is considered safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in cola-type beverages at levels up to 200 parts per million in volumes. The European Union, Health Canada, and other health and regulatory authorities around the world also recognize caffeine as a safe and suitable ingredient in soft drinks and other beverages and foods.

What’s more, the amount of caffeine found in soft drinks is actually small, typically only 20-40 mg. per 8 oz. (240 ml.) serving, compared to 60-120 mg. per 8 oz. (240 ml.) of coffee (based on preparation method). Energy drinks typically contain an average of about 75 mg. per 8 oz. (240 ml.).

Amount of caffeine notwithstanding, the study reiterates that there is no relation to breast cancer and caffeine consumption. What’s more important than believing the myths is knowing how to live a healthy and active lifestyle to take care of yourself.

To live a healthy and active lifestyle or HAL, you only need to follow three key values: Eat a balanced diet, which means consuming different foods to give your body all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs. Do regular physical activities like walking, running or household chores — not necessarily going to the gym, to stay strong and burn calories. And hydrate properly with 11-16 cups of total fluids, depending on your age, weight, gender, the weather, and your level of physical activity, to avoid dehydration and maintain overall health. Fluids mean that all beverages like soft drinks, teas, and juices, and food with water like fruits, vegetables, and soups can help, too.

For more information about your health and beverages, visit www.thebeverageinstitute.org.