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How much alcohol is safe for survivors?

Page last modified on: September 11, 2008
Question from Annabelle: I know that breast cancer survivors should watch their alcohol consumption, but how much alcohol is too much?
Answers —Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D.: We don't have good data on how much alcohol is safe for breast cancer survivors. We do know, however, that the risk of getting breast cancer increases for women who drink more than 2 drinks a day. A drink of alcohol would be five ounces of wine or one can of beer or one shot of hard liquor. So the recommendation is to keep to fewer than two drinks a day. It makes sense that these guidelines may also apply to women with breast cancer since they're at risk of getting another breast cancer in the future.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Of course, it's very important not to mix alcohol with some of the medications you might be taking, like Ativan or pain medication. And of course you have to protect your life in all ways, so no drinking and driving. I have to say that for all the women who are going through treatment of breast cancer, think how hard you have worked to protect your life, so after you get through all this, remember to take care of yourself in many ways including using safety belts, not smoking, and being careful when you are drinking. And, of course, exercise.

On Wednesday, May 21, 2003, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Taking Care of Yourself. Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about exercise and nutrition, and other things you can do to nurture your body, along with strategies for finding emotional support, boosting your mood, and feeling good again.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D.Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D. is a member of the Cancer Prevention Program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, where she is director of the prevention center.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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