All Policies Include Enhanced COVID-19 Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
30 August 2013 11:05
Young women who regularly consume alcohol before motherhood risk increasing their chances of developing breast cancer
Excessive 'partying' before motherhood could increase the risk of breast cancer in young women, new research suggests.
A study from the US indicates that increased levels of drinking before a first pregnancy heightens the risk of the disease.
Every 10 gram per day increase in alcohol consumption - just over one unit, or a small glass of wine - was found to raise the risk of breast cancer by 11% in this study.
Meanwhile, for women with an intake of at least 15 grams of alcohol per day - roughly two units or a medium sized glass of wine - the risk was 34% higher than for non-drinkers.
The scientists used data from the Nurses' Health Study II, a major American study of health and lifestyle in female registered nurses that involved the analysis of 91,000 women aged 15 to 40.
They also discovered that increased alcohol consumption between the start of menstrual periods and first pregnancy raised the risk of benign breast disease (BBD), during which time a woman's breast tissue is believed to be especially sensitive to cancer triggers.
Compared to non-drinkers with a shorter duration, non-drinkers with duration of 10 or more years between menarche and first pregnancy had a 26% increased risk of breast cancer and an 81% increased risk of BBD.
In both cases a dose response was seen - the more women drank, the more their risk of disease increased.
Women who never have children, or delay becoming pregnant, were already known to be more susceptible to breast cancer, but the evidence suggests that alcohol consumed before first pregnancy may also play an important role in the development of breast cancer.
"Reducing alcohol consumption during this period may be an effective prevention strategy," concluded the researchers.
Among those with a history of full-term pregnancy in the study, 1,609 cases of breast cancer and 970 cases of BBD were recorded.
Breast cancer can be an extreme cause of anxiety, especially when on holiday, but medical travel insurance can give sufferers the peace of mind they need to enjoy their trip.
15 October 2020
We find out the history of Bologna's special sauce, and look at why it's so beloved across the globe.
[more...]
07 October 2020
Develop your taste for an escape to the Indian Ocean
Learn more about Southern Spain's favourite wine
Is there such a thing as eco-friendly air travel?
Learn more about the world's most luxurious linen.
Because safer flights start before you've left the runway.
24 September 2020
Looking to put some action into your next getaway? Here's our short guide to the best holiday activities in the age of coronavirus.
21 September 2020
Take a trip to the world's top tanneries.
Learn more about the Land of the Rising Sun's most famous culinary export.
09 September 2020
Get a slice of the action in Napoli, the pizza capital of the world.
Get way ahead with your getaway plans with our top five handy tips for planning a holiday in 2021...