Can drinking alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer?
There is strong scientific evidence that shows that people who drink alcohol are at a higher risk of developing certain kinds of cancers, including breast cancer, than those who do not drink alcohol, and that the more someone drinks, the higher the risk of these cancers. Having more than one drink per day has shown to be a more significant risk factor, and the type of alcohol consumed (wine, beer, or mixed drink) does not matter.
Alcohol increases estrogen in the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. As in most things, moderation is key. If you drink alcohol, this is an important topic to discuss with your doctor so that you will know what limits are best for you to observe.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health