Alcohol is already known to be a risk factor for developing breast cancer.  But there has been little research into the impact of alcohol on the health of women already diagnosed with breast cancer.  A new study by Dr Marilyn Kwan and her team at  Kaiser Pemanente Research and colleagues at the University of Utah now reveals that even moderate alcohol consumption can lower the chance of survival in breast cancer. 

They followed nearly 2,000 women diagnosed with early breast cancer for around eight years. The participants came from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Cancer Registry. Half the women drank alcohol at a rate of greater than 0.5 grams alcohol a day (8 grams is a standard drink, like a glass of wine).  Most drank wine (90%) followed by spirits (43%) and beer (36%).

During the follow up time, there were 349 recurrences and 332 deaths.  Drinking more than 6 grams of alcohol a day was linked to a 30% increased chance of recurrence or death compared to minimal (less than 0.5 grams per day) or no alcohol consumption.  The increased risk of recurrence was more marked among women who were past the menopause or carrying extra weight.

‘Women previously diagnosed with breast cancer should consider limiting their consumption of alcohol to less than three drinks a week, especially women who are postmenopausal and overweight or obese,’ Kwan concluded.

Source:

Kwan ML et al Alcohol consumption and breast cancer recurrence and survival among women with early-stage breast cancer American Association for Cancer Research Breast Cancer Symposium December 10 2009