- Drinking alcohol in excess potentially escalates the risk of heart disease and cancer.
- Many study findings suggest that the main factor that influences risk is actually the amount of alcohol that is consumed.
- In general, it is recommended that people in good health consume moderate amounts of alcohol—if any—and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
The link between alcohol consumption and personal health has long been a controversial subject. For several decades, research has found conflicting evidence regarding alcohol’s physical effects—often resulting in ever-changing headlines and diet trends. Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD, a senior clinical nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the risks and benefits often associated with alcohol.
How much is too much?
There is a prevalent misconception that various types of alcohol, such as beer or wine, have different levels of disease-advancing elements. However, many study findings suggest that the main factor that influences risk is actually the amount that is consumed. Drinking alcohol in excess potentially escalates the risk of heart disease and cancer.
The standard sizes of one alcoholic drink are: 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, and 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. The disparity in recommendations for alcohol intake between men and women is often attributed to differences in body weight and metabolism. Kennedy says that other factors involved may include genetics, hormones, social factors, and varying dose responses to alcohol.
Does it matter how often?
Women who consume alcohol on a daily basis, for example, are more likely to develop breast cancer than those who do not for both low- (one drink per day) and high-intake (three or more drinks per day) consumers. Consistent alcohol consumption also increases the risk of colon and rectal, liver, esophageal, as well as head and neck cancers. To manage disease risks, researchers conclude that women and those older than 65 should have less than one drink per day, and men who are under age 65, should have less than two.
“It’s certainly okay to have alcohol on occasion,” says Kennedy. “But when individuals drink alcohol regularly, they should speak with their health care provider to assess their personal risks.”
Is red wine the healthiest option?
Some studies suggest red wine provides benefits associated with antioxidants like resveratrol. Resveratrol is a phytonutrient- or plant-based nutrient- found in the skin of red grapes, resveratrol was once considered to be heart-protecting and anti-aging, but current research shows no associated, concrete benefits. When drinking red wine, nothing truly outweighs the negative risks of the alcohol. Kennedy says that while “balanced diets that include antioxidant-rich, plant-based foods have been shown to be beneficial to general health and wellness, when you take a closer look, evidence that suggests red wine is the go-to source for resveratrol’s benefits, may not actually the case.”
What’s right for me?
Every person is different, so while in treatment, cancer patients interested in drinking on occasion should speak with their care team about their alcohol intake or habits. For cancer survivors, depending on health history, type of cancer, and other conditions such as risk factors. In general, it is recommended that people in good health consume moderate amounts of alcohol—if any—and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
The findings about the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer diagnoses did not surprise me. Four years ago, at age 68, I was diagnosed with two different types of breast cancer. I was successfully treated at Dana Farber through a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and ongoing tamoxifen. The first change I made at the time of diagnosis was to eliminate alcohol from my diet. I have continued with this plan to this day, but have found it interesting that family and friends question this change. I explain that it is something I can take charge of to possibly improve my health and that’s good enough for me. Your research is now supporting my intuitive decision!
Me too. And I agree with the social pressure to “just have one”, its incessant.
God bless you! My heart breaks for any person who must desl with cancer. Glad to hear you are recovered!
Why do you indicate men under 65 should have less than 2 drinks per day? What about men over age 65?
Men over sixty-five should have less than one drink per day, according to this article.
This is very helpful information and also a warning.
Thank you.
Similar to the comments of Marie above, I was diagnosed with stage 1a breast cancer in 2015. After a year of chemo, surgery, radiation and infusions of Herceptin, I decided to forego alcohol except for a rare occasion such as the wedding of a close relative. I made this change despite the fact that I only ever drank perhaps one glass of wine per week. It just seemed like a change that was relatively easy to make, unlike the many changes I have also made in my diet and how I run my household (no plastic containers, filtered water, etc). I saw one of the oncologists at Dana Farber for a second opinion during treatment, and she mentioned that one of her concerns was for the many young (in their 20’s and early 30’s) women who drink frequently and often more than 1 drink at a time. I have discussed this issue with my own 27 year-old daughter because I want her to know the facts about the relationship between alcohol and breast cancer. Thanks for highlighting this fact in your piece.
I have neuropathy and serious balance issues. I am 77, male, drink every day(vodka)
Is this the cause of nerve damage in both my legs
Hi Fran,
Thank you for reading. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide personalized medical advice over this blog. If you have concerns about your health, we suggest reaching out to or making an appointment with a medical professional.
Wishing you the best,
DFCI
What catagory would you put a gunniies stout ? and how much would you recommend for a 57 yrs old woman..per day ?
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for reading. Every person is different, so while in treatment, cancer patients interested in drinking on occasion should speak with their care team about their alcohol intake or habits. In general, it is recommended that people in good health consume moderate amounts of alcohol, if any, and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Wishing you the best,
DFCI
I also was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. Triple negative stage 2.
Did chemo, surgery, and radiation.
I had great results from treatment.
But I knew I had to change my diet, I chose a lumpectomy, so to help prevent a second breast cancer I also decided to only have a couple of drinks a year. But find I don’t miss it, and feel I’m better off without it. So I may just not even have those couple.
I know alcohol played a role in my breast cancer, I used to drink red wine every weekend, about four glasses a week. I also added a lot of plant based food to my diet and cut sugar down to a very small amount. But I feel every one I know who had cancer was a regular drinker. Drinking isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, I’m happier with out it.