Can breast cancer survivors drink alcohol?
On One Hand: Moderate UseAccording to CNN Health, drinking three to four alcoholic drinks a week can increase the chance of a breast cancer relapse by up to 34 percent. One theory suggests that alcohol increases the recurrence of breast cancer because it stimulates the metabolism of estrogen.On the Other: Very Light UseAccording to U.S. News and World Report, a 2009 Kaiser Permanente study found that those consuming fewer than 6 g of alcohol per day (equivalent to less than half a drink) had the same chance of breast cancer recurrence as those who did not drink at all.Bottom LineIf you are a breast cancer survivor, you should try to limit your alcohol intake as much as possible. Even if you drink small amounts, the extra calories can cause weight gain, which contributes to breast cancer.
