Light Drinking Does NOT Increase Breast Cancer Risk While past
studies had reported that two to five alcoholic drinks a day may increase
breast cancer risk, this study of more moderate drinking found no
increased risk for light drinkers. Researchers from Boston University in
Massachusetts analyzed data on over 5,000 women who were already
participating in long-term health studies. The researchers found that the
risk of developing breast cancer was about the same for light drinkers --
those who have an occasional drink, but less than one a day -- as it was for
nondrinkers. In addition, when the research team examined the effects of
beer, wine and spirits separately, they found that no type of alcoholic
beverage had either an adverse or a protective effect. (Source: The Journal
of Epidemiology, January 1999)
