Alcohol and Breast Cancer: What is the Risk?
Published: March 15, 2012
Updated: January 15, 2025
Medically Reviewed By: Wendy Y. Chen, MD, MPH
Research by Dana-Farber breast oncologist, Wendy Chen, MD, provided some of the first evidence that breast cancer risk increases with rising alcohol consumption, even with less frequent drinking.
She and her colleagues reported in 2011 that three to six drinks per week were associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk.
In the last ten years, the understanding of alcohol and breast cancer has been changing as studies produce new results and are publicized, sometimes dramatically, in the media.
Studies have continued to support the link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk.
“There has been mounting evidence showing that higher levels of alcohol consumption are associated with more risk for breast cancer,” says Chen.
However, what has changed is the sense that a certain level of alcohol consumption has medical benefits, particularly for heart health. Recent studies have not consistently supported that claim. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations related to alcohol consumption, drinking less is better for your health.
The challenge, says Chen, is integrating this knowledge into a daily practice to create a healthy lifestyle. Chen recommends the following:
- If you choose to drink alcohol, try to limit yourself to one to three drinks per week. (One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor).
- If you can avoid it, do not drink every day. Slight variations, like one drink every day on vacation and then cutting back when you return, are not important; it’s the cumulative, lifetime consumption that influences cancer risk.
- Prioritize healthy habits. Regular exercise (like brisk walking) and limiting alcohol consumption, if possible, are recommended.
These general recommendations apply to all adults, regardless of age.
Is it Safe for Breast Cancer Survivors to Drink Alcohol?
For cancer survivors, the evidence is less clear. Individuals with a history of breast cancer vary widely in terms of their medical status and treatment, making the group more difficult to study in risk assessment research.
Similarly, those at high risk for cancer based on their family history or genetics also vary in terms of their risk and risk reduction strategy. As a result, Chen offers the same general recommendations as those above but advises her patients more specifically according to their personal medical status and goals.
Learn more about alcohol consumption and cancer risk.
If I Cut Out Alcohol, Do I Eliminate My Breast Cancer Risk?
No. There are many factors that, along with alcohol consumption, can contribute to a person’s breast cancer risk. Some, like family history, medical history, breast density, and the age of your first period, are not under your control.
How Can I Reduce My Breast Cancer Risk?
Chen suggests focusing on the factors you can control:
- Work to reach or maintain a healthy weight. A healthy weight varies from person to person, and it is possible to be healthy at a higher weight. However, obesity increases the risk of thirteen different cancers, including breast cancer. Learn more about obesity and cancer risk.
- Eat a healthy diet of whole foods and avoid ultra-processed foods. Learn more about ultra-processed foods and how to avoid them.
- Exercise: taking a brisk 30-minute walk every day can reduce cancer risk and have other medical benefits.
The Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center also has useful resources for managing weight.
The Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at Dana-Farber has resources to help with healthy living, including exercise and nutrition.
Use our tool to assess your personal breast cancer risk and how to reduce it.
