Hi
I’m going on holiday next week after finishing chemo and radio. I’m now 3 weeks into letrozole. I had er8/pr8 lobular bc. When I’m on holiday would it be bad if I had one alcoholic drink a day?
Hi stafford22,
Thank you for posting your question.
It’s understandable that you’d like to know if it’s okay to have one alcoholic drink a day while on holiday.
While we have studies that show drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer, the evidence is less clear about how alcohol may impact on cancer recurrence. Currently, NICE guidelines say that people who have had breast cancer should aim to drink below 5 units of alcohol a week.
There are no known interactions between alcohol and letrozole, however if you experience and side effects, such as appetite changes or nausea, alcohol may affect these.
Deciding to drink alcohol in moderation, or to avoid to altogether is a very personal decision. We don’t have the evidence to say that having one drink a day for a short period of time, while on holiday, would affect your breast cancer treatment, or risk of further cancer. While travelling, do make sure to stay well hydrated. You may find this information about travel and breast cancer helpful to read.
It’s important to follow a healthy balanced diet most of the time, but it’s also important to balance this with enjoying things like a holiday, and not feel guilty if you don’t stick to it all of the time, especially while coping with the physical and emotional effects of breast cancer and treatment.
We offer a range of free support services which may be of interest for you. You can find details about all of these services in the link.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
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Best wishes
Cassie
Breast Care Nurse
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