Drinking Alcohol & Breast Cancer

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1

Morning,

I have recently been diagnosed with HR+ 8/8 HER2 - Breast cancer Grade 1 small 8mm tumour.

I am currently awaiting surgery. I am really miserable and extremely stressed at the moment. My friends have arranged to take me out for lunch tomorrow. I really would like to treat myself to a glass of red wine I’ve not drank any alcohol since Christmas.

Basically asking if this is a good idea or not will it make any difference to my situation or could I be making it worse by having a drink.

Everywhere you read is just horror stories.

Many thanks for your advice.

2

@kat-jack a glass (or 2) of wine with your lunch tomorrow won’t make a blind bit of difference, and it sounds as though you need it!!
When I was first diagnosed last year, I was going away with friends for the weekend that afternoon, and my BCN gave me her blessing to have as much wine as I wanted as long as I didn’t end up in A&E! Obviously going forward, you’ll not be drinking all the time but right now, it’s the last thing you should be worrying about!
(Sorry if anyone disagrees! :joy:) enjoy :wine_glass:xx

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3

Hi kat-jack,

Thanks for posting.

It’s understandable you’re feeling miserable and stressed at the moment, but it’s good to hear your friends are looking after you.

There is evidence that alcohol can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, but the evidence is less clear as to whether drinking alcohol affects the prognosis (outlook) of breast cancer.

The most recent NICE guidance suggests limiting alcohol intake to below 5 units per week alongside other lifestyle measures which include maintaining a healthy weight and doing physical activity. These are associated with a lower risk of recurrence.

You mention horror stories with things that you read. You might find our health information useful as it is evidence based, written by clinical specialists and reviewed by healthcare professionals for people who are affected by breast cancer. Specifically our information on alcohol and breast cancer recurrence and diet, lifestyle and breast cancer may be helpful for you.

We also offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can also often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.

For more details about any of these services, please see the information on the links above, or call our free helpline

Please do also 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 more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).

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Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.

Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.

Hopefully you can have a relaxing and enjoyable lunch with your friends tomorrow.

Best wishes

Vic

Breast Care Nurse

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