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Overview
According to an article titled “Alcohol's Effects on Breast Cancer in Women”, more than 2 million breast cancer cases are reported globally every year. Alcohol consumption is a risk factor that is modifiable, while others are not. Even an intake of less than 10-15 grams a day is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer (Freudenheim, 2020). Data from 53 studies found that for each alcoholic drink consumed a day, the relative risk of breast cancer increased by about 7% (Susan G. Komen®, 2025).
Breast Cancer Subtype
A study of more than 360,000 women in Europe found that the association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk was stronger for women with estrogen receptive-positive tumors than those with estrogen receptive-negative tumors (Freudenheim, 2020). This is because alcohol consumption can affect the ways in which the body metabolizes estrogen. Alcohol consumption raises estrogen levels, which in turn are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
Recurrence
Possible links between alcohol consumption and breast cancer recurrence are still being studied. While there has been a recent study that has investigated whether alcohol consumption increased the likelihood of recurrence, the study had several limitations. The study relied on participants to accurately self-disclose the amount of alcohol they consumed, and several women in the study had been diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, which has a higher rate of recurrence (Breastcancer.org, 2025).
Conclusion
While there are a variety of risk factors for breast cancer that cannot be modified, alcohol consumption can be limited. While the link between estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and alcohol is apparent, further research is necessary in order to determine whether alcohol increases the risk of recurrence.
Embrace Discussion
While the research on the relationship between alcohol use and breast cancer is vital, it is still ongoing and unfinished. While researching in order to understand this relationship further, there were few articles that discussed how alcohol consumption can influence breast cancer recurrence. This research is needed to better inform those diagnosed with breast cancer, and to help them determine how alcohol consumption can influence a diagnosis after treatment.
There is also a lack of research that explores the relationships between alcohol use, breast cancer, and race. Though there have been studies that explore whether race can influence a breast cancer diagnosis, understanding how that can then be influenced by alcohol consumption is crucial. It is also important to note that there are other factors that must be researched further, which include but are not limited to: culture, economic status, levels of social support, and location.
While the research on the relationship between alcohol use and breast cancer has made tremendous strides, there is still more information needed in order to better understand how alcohol consumption can increase the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence. There also needs to be more research on understanding the intersectionalities between culture, economic status, race, and location when discussing breast cancer recurrence and alcohol consumption. This is needed in order to better determine how alcohol use impacts and influences breast cancer, and to ensure that those affected have the necessary information in order to make informed decisions about their health.
References:
Breastcancer.org. (2025, January 22). Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know. Breastcancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/news/alcohol-breast-cancer-risk-surgeon-general-advisory
Freudenheim J. L. (2020). Alcohol's Effects on Breast Cancer in Women. Alcohol research : current reviews, 40(2), 11. https://doi.org/10.35946/arcr.v40.2.11
Susan G. Komen®. (2025, January 3). Breast cancer risk: Drinking alcohol | Susan G. Komen®. https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/alcohol-consumption/