Study: Caffeine Intake Can Increase Breast Cancer Risk

According to a new study, more than four cups of coffee can increase the risk of breast cancer. The researchers found that caffeinated drinks are responsible for one third of the breast cancer cases. The study also highlights an increase in developing large tumours with high intake of caffeinated drinks.

The researchers, however, were unable to give a safe caffeine intake for women. But they did indicate that more than four cups of coffee a day can increase the breast cancer risk by 68%. The risk further aggravates with advancement ion age.

Dr Ken Ishitani, from Harvard University, who led the study with colleagues from Tokyo Women's Medical University, said:

"These findings indicate that caffeine consumption may affect breast cancer progression, and such an effect may be independent of the (sex hormone) oestrogen."

Further research would confirm reasons for the relationship between breast cancer and caffeine.

But according to another research published in Archives of Internal Medicine journal, caffeinated drinks did not seem to have any major impact on other diseases. At the same time, previous studies indicate palpitations and increase in miscarriages. These drinks also cause chest pain and headaches in school children.