Coffee reduces by half the recurrence of breast cancer

Drinking coffee can cut in half the risk of recurrence of breast cancer. Is the conclusion of a study by scientists at the University of Lund (Sweden) and published in the journal Cancer Causes Control.
A team of researchers followed more than 600 patients with breast cancer for about five years. Approximately half of them took the drug Tamoxifeno. The patients taking this medicine and who consumed two or more cups of coffee per day had a rate of recurrence of breast cancer more than 50% lower compared with patients taking Tamoxifeno but did not drink coffee.
The drug, common hormone therapy after breast cancer surgery, lowers the risk of new tumours by blocking the estrogen receptors.
As coffee interacts with treatment, however, is still an unknown. "A theory in which we are working is that coffee 'activates' Tamoxifeno, making it more effective," said Maria Simonsson, lead author of the study.
Researchers from the same University had found an association between coffee consumption and a lower risk of developing certain types of breast cancer, while American scientists have found that coffee reduces the risk of prostate cancer and oral cancer. Other studies have shown that caffeine prevents the growth of cancer cells.
This most recent observational study, involving the role of coffee in the prevention and treatment of cancer, underscores the need for more research in the area, especially in the search of the physiological mechanisms of action of caffeine.
"We intend to advance our studies to know more about how lifestyle can interact with the treatment of breast cancer," explains Helena Jernstrom, professor of oncology at Lund University.
Source: Revista Cafeicultura