Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Alcohol

Women who drink alcohol have an increased risk of breast cancer [24].

A pooled analysis of data from 53 studies found for each alcoholic drink consumed per day, the relative risk of breast cancer increased by about 7% [24].

Women who had 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day had a 20% higher risk of breast cancer than women who didn’t drink alcohol [24].

For a summary of research studies on alcohol and breast cancer, visit the Breast Cancer Research Studies section.

Learn about alcohol use in the teen years and breast cancer risk. 

Learn about alcohol and breast cancer survival.

Learn more about diet and breast cancer.

Learn about other factors linked to the risk of breast cancer.

Alcohol, estrogen and breast cancer risk

Alcohol can change the way a woman’s body metabolizes estrogen (how estrogen works in the body). This can cause blood estrogen levels to rise.

Estrogen levels are higher in women who drink alcohol than in non-drinkers [22]. Higher estrogen levels are in turn, linked to an increased risk of breast cancer [22].

The effects of alcohol on estrogen levels may explain some, but not all of the link between alcohol and breast cancer risk. It’s likely alcohol also has effects in the body not related to estrogen that are also linked to the risk of breast cancer.

Learn more about estrogen and breast cancer risk.  

Low to moderate alcohol use in healthy adults

No one should drink a lot of alcohol.

Studies show drinking low to moderate amounts of alcohol may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and death [25-26].

However, the American Cancer Society recommends those who drink alcohol limit to less than 1 drink per day (for women) and fewer than 2 drinks per day (for men) [27]. Drink more alcohol than this has no health benefits and is linked to many serious health risks, including the risk of breast cancer [27].

Talk with your health care provider about the potential health benefits and risks of drinking low to moderate amounts of alcohol.

 

SUSAN G. KOMEN®‘S BREAST SELF-AWARENESS MESSAGES

1. Know your risk Talk with both sides of your family to learn about your family health history. Talk with a health care provider about your risk of breast cancer. 2. Get screened Talk with a health care provider about which screening tests are right for you if you’re at higher risk. Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you’re at average risk.* Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 25, and every year starting at age 40.* * Per National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines 3. Know what is normal for you See a health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes: Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast Change in the size or shape of the breast Dimpling or puckering of the skin Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast Nipple discharge that starts suddenly New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away To see illustrations of these warning signs, please visit the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer page. 4. Make healthy lifestyle choices Maintain a healthy weight. Make exercise part of your routine. Limit alcohol intake. Limit menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use). Breastfeed if you can.

Download our Breast Self-Awareness Messages resource for more information.

Learn about other factors linked to the risk of breast cancer.

Updated 12/17/24

This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.