Hi everyone,
i am really sorry to post here when I don't currently have breast cancer, I'm just not sure where else to turn.
I am 29 and have just recently discovered the link between breast cancer and alcohol. I am totally shocked and now riddled with anxiety as I have drunk throughout my 20s - what with uni and living in London for the past few years, all social events (1 or 2 per week generally) have included alcohol to some degree or another. Based on estimates, I think I have drunk slightly over 14 units (likely around 16 units) a week when averaged out over the years, perhaps more, and I can't believe the link between drink and breast cancer is so unknown!
I have not drunk since I found out and I don't intend to drink again, but have read that this won't reduce my risk, and that drinking in your 20s is particularly impactful for pre-menopausal breast cancer. I just feel like a ticking time bomb now and really struggling to come to terms with it.
I generally exercise 5ish times a week and am not overweight, but it seems that alcohol is so damaging that I'm not sure this matters.
I am not sure what I am asking for really, but I just wanted to see what others felt - I am so anxious I'm struggling to function as normal.