Home
>
About breast cancer
>
Breast awareness & risk factors
>
Risk factors
>
Established risk factors
My Breakthrough
Alcohol
Regularly drinking alcohol can slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Drinking, on average, one unit of alcohol per day increases a woman's risk of breast cancer by about 6%. This is the same as saying that for every 100 women who drink one unit of alcohol per day there will be one extra case of breast cancer compared to 100 women who don't drink alcohol.
Number of units of alcohol in common drinks:
This risk increases by a further 6% for each additional unit of alcohol consumed on a daily basis. For example, if you drink two units per day each and every day of your adult life your risk of breast cancer increases by about 12%. [1]
Current evidence suggests that all types of alcohol, including wine, beer and spirits, are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Unlike many other established breast cancer risk factors, alcohol consumption is something we can change. The important message is to be aware of how many units of alcohol you are consuming and to drink in moderation. The Department of Health recommends that women drink no more than 2-3 units of alcohol per day. Although no studies have investigated the effects of binge drinking on breast cancer risk, all women should avoid binge drinking since it is associated with other health problems.
For more information see our fact sheet Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk: The Facts.
[1] These figures are estimates and reflect the incidence of breast cancer in the UK population and the size of alcoholic units in the UK.
Number of units of alcohol in common drinks:
- A pint of ordinary strength lager, bitter or cider = 2 units
- A pint of strong lager = 3 units
- A 175ml glass of wine = around 2 units
- A pub measure of spirits = 1 unit
- An alcopop = around 1.5 units
This risk increases by a further 6% for each additional unit of alcohol consumed on a daily basis. For example, if you drink two units per day each and every day of your adult life your risk of breast cancer increases by about 12%. [1]
Current evidence suggests that all types of alcohol, including wine, beer and spirits, are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
The Department of Health recommends that women drink no more than 2-3 units of
alcohol per day.
For more information see our fact sheet Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk: The Facts.
[1] These figures are estimates and reflect the incidence of breast cancer in the UK population and the size of alcoholic units in the UK.
Also within "Breast awareness & risk factors"
