According to a study published in the January 1st issue of the International Journal of Cancer, drinking coffee may reduce the risk of breast cancer for women with a specific genetic mutation. A mutation of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes has been found to greatly increase the risk that a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The Canadian medical study found that women with a BRCA1 mutation benefited from consuming coffee, while those with a BRCA2 mutation did not lower their risk of breast cancer.

Medical experts from the Centre for Research in Women’s Health in Toronto evaluated the responses of a questionnaire administered to 1,690 women with genetic mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. This survey asked questions about these women’s coffee consumption. Researchers found that women with a BRCA1 mutation who consumed six or more cups of caffeinated coffee daily reduced their risk of developing breast cancer by 69 percent. Those who consumed four to five cups reduced their risk by 25 percent, and those drinking one to three cups lowered their risk by ten percent, compared to those who did not consume caffeinated coffee.

This benefit of coffee in reducing the risk of breast cancer did not appear in women with a BRCA2 genetic mutation. BRCA1 patients did not receive benefit from consuming decaffeinated coffee.

The study’s authors believe the benefit is in caffeine’s effect on female hormones. They stated that further research is necessary to learn about the effects of caffeine on women with a higher risk of breast cancer due to genetic abnormalities. If you are interested in learning more about preventing breast cancer, you may wish to speak with your trusted health care professional. This comprehensive website also contains a wealth of information about breast cancer.