New research finds reoccurring breast cancer linked to alcohol

As little as six grams of alcohol a day could increase the likelihood of breast cancer reoccurring, a new study has found.

Cancer Council researcher Dr Anna Boltong reviewed 16 international studies involving 35,000 survivors.

She found two studies involved 11,000 women which found just six grams or three tablespoons of alcohol a day increased the risk of breast cancer returning.

“A couple of studies are showing that alcohol as low as half a bottle a week are showing an association with a breast cancer diagnosis,” Dr Boltong said.

Alcohol Beverages Australia’s Fergus Taylor said the scope of the study was “extremely limited” and its own authors had expressed difficulty in understanding the results.

But for Suzanne Elliot, who has survived breast cancer twice, the study’s result came as no surprise.

She said she was willing to do whatever it takes to stay healthy.

“It is something I think about when I choose to have a drink,” she said.

“It’s a shame to have to give things up that you might have enjoyed but you give up all sorts of things when you go through a cancer treatment.”