One drink a day ups breast cancer risk by 12%

Source: The Spirits Business

by Melita Kiely

22nd June, 2015

Just one alcoholic drink a day increases women’s risk of developing breast cancer by up to 12%, new research suggests.

According to a new fact sheet by Alcohol Concern, each drink per day increases the risk in women developing breast cancer by between 7-12%.

The sheet also states breast cancer affects approximately one in eight women in the UK at some point in their life.

“Alcohol has cancer causing properties and it’s important that people are aware of the risks associated with its use,” said Jackie Ballard, chief executive of Alcohol Concern. “Although there is no ‘safe’ level of alcohol consumption, sticking to government guidelines is a reliable way of minimising alcohol-related health risks.

“The recommended limit for women is 2-3 units a day, and for men 3-4 units and everyone should have 2-3 alcohol free days each week.”

Alcohol Concern’s research states in 2011, 3,000 breast cancer cases were directly linked to alcohol consumption, which is known to have “carcinogenic (cancer causing)” properties.

The charity also noted that surveys used to compile the factsheet showed less than a third of the British public are aware of a link between alcohol and breast cancer, while less than half know of a link between alcohol and cancer.