Alcohol intake and risk of breast cancer

Current epidemiologic data are reasonably consistent in demonstrating an association between alcohol intake and risk of breast cancer. The association appears to be present for all forms of alcoholic beverages, and is very unlikely to be the result of chance. There seems to be a dose-response effect, but the shape of the curve is not well delineated. The present evidence is insufficient to conclude that the association is one of cause and effect, but no more plausible explanation for the association has been proposed. Although the magnitude of the effect is relatively modest, the potential public health impact is large, since moderate alcohol intake is so common, and because there are few feasible ways to reduce risk of breast cancer. Moderate alcohol intake may confer a reduced risk of heart disease, and this should also be considered in weighing the risks and benefits.