Light Drinking May Increase Breast Cancer

Even light drinking of alcohol slightly increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer, new research finds. The study found a 15% higher risk for women who had 3 to 6 drinks a week, compared with non-drinkers. Previous studies have shown a higher risk for women who drink more than this. Researchers used data from the Nurses’ Health Study. The study included more than 100,000 women. They regularly filled out questionnaires about their health and habits. The study began in 1980 and continued through 2008. Breast cancer risk increased by 10% for every 10 grams of alcohol consumed daily. That’s about one standard drink of alcohol. It could be a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 4-ounce glass of wine or a shot of whiskey. The type of alcohol did not matter. The Journal of the American Medical Association published the study. The Associated Press wrote about it November 2.