The concern raised about caffeine and fibrocystic breast disease led to a concern about possible association between caffeine consumption and breast cancer. However, extensive research conducted to date has shown no association between caffeine consumption and the development of any cancer.
Breast Cancer
In 1990 researchers reviewed scientific data investigating caffeine and malignant breast tumors. Out of 11 studies reviewed, none established a significant link between caffeine intake and breast cancer incidence.
Specifically, three separate studies performed in Israel, the United States and France, analyzed the relationship of coffee consumption to breast cancer development. Each study respectively accounted for dietary intake, medical and reproductive history and frequency of coffee intake. The results of each investigation established no association between coffee consumption and breast cancer.
Furthermore, the 1986 NCI study on breast disease found no association between caffeine consumption and breast cancer. Interestingly, the NCI researchers noted that coffee drinkers had a slightly lower incidence of breast cancer. Patients with questions are advised to consult their health care provider.
Ovarian Cancer
In a thorough review of the research on caffeine’s relationship to ovarian cancer, no evidence indicated that caffeine consumption is a risk factor for ovarian cancer when known factors are taken into account. In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) found there is inadequate evidence to suggest coffee drinking causes ovarian cancer.
Overall, the universal scientific research does not support a relationship between caffeine consumption and cancer. As a result, both the American Cancer Society and the National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council report there is no convincing evidence relating caffeine to any type of cancer.
