(Bay Shore, New York) - Lorraine Pace, Co-President, Breast Cancer Help, Inc., says a recent study which links alcohol intake to developing breast cancer may need further research, stating that Europeans consume plenty of wine, yet there is no indication of an increased risk in breast cancer overseas, and other factors besides alcohol may contribute to the increased risk of breast cancer. A study following 100,000 women concluded that those who had three alcoholic beverages a week had a slightly higher risk in developing breast cancer than those who did not drink. Women who averaged three to six drinks a week throughout the study had a 15% higher chance of developing breast cancer than non-drinkers. While previous studies showed no link between alcohol and breast cancer, the new study had a greater number of subjects and a longer time period - 30 years - compared to the studies which concluded otherwise. Ms. Pace said that alcohol should not be considered the sole factor in the development of breast cancer and added that Europeans consume large amounts of wine, compared to the American population. According to The Wine Institute, in 2009, Americans drank 8.96 liters of wine per capita, while countries such as France, Portugal and Italy consumed 42 to 45 liters of wine per capita. "Europeans consume more wine than Americans do, yet there are no studies done in Europe linking alcohol to breast cancer," Ms. Pace said. "Studies have also shown that drinking a glass of wine has health benefits, including protecting your heart. Maybe these studies should also look into other contributing factors, such as the cancer-causing chemicals that people on Long Island use to maintain their lawns. These chemicals find their way into the groundwater, which, in turn, adversely affects the environment." For more information, call (631) 675-9003 or visit www.breastcancerhelpinc.org. # # # Breast Cancer Help, Inc. is a not-for-profit grass roots organization with a focus on action and advocacy to eradicate breast cancer. Founded in 1994 by Lorraine Pace, a two time breast cancer survivor, and Father Thomas Arnao, Breast Cancer Help, Inc. uses a four pronged approach to promoting education and awareness of breast cancer issues. The first of these prongs is the West Islip breast cancer mapping project initiated by Lorraine Pace, which mobilized patients and pinpointed breast cancer clusters. This original mapping project, which spearheaded the breast cancer environmental movement, has now spread to other parts of New York, the U.S. and internationally. Since its inception, the group's goal has been to raise awareness and promote education for the cause, treatment, and cure of the disease; while maintaining a focus on action and advocacy to eradicate breast cancer. It has accomplished this by mobilizing patients into coalitions leading to breast cancer mapping projects, serving as advocates to change state and local laws to protect breast cancer patients, and working to bring about positive changes in protecting the environment. Breast Cancer Help, Inc. has helped to ensure that Long Islanders have access to the best possible diagnosis and care through the purchase of cutting edge medical and research equipment. It has also supported research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. In 2003, Breast Cancer Help opened its Long Island Cancer Help and Wellness Center, now located at 32 Park Avenue in Bay Shore to provide increased cancer awareness to promote education and early detection while providing patients and survivors with much needed support.