Even moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer by 5%, according to an analysis of 113 studies.
According to scientists, women who drink a glass of wine a day and are familially burdened by the disease are at increased risk.
In women who consume three or more drinks a day, the risk increases by 50% compared to abstainers.
The link between cancer and alcohol has long been established, but there has been insufficient data on whether moderate consumption increases the risk of cancer, say researchers from the University of Heidelberg in Germany and the University of Milan in Italy.
In the study, a glass of 125 ml of red wine or a mug of beer was taken for one drink.
It has been found that the more alcohol women drink, the higher the risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers estimate that every 10 grams of alcohol per day is associated with a 10-13% increased risk of disease.
Women, especially those with a family history of breast cancer, should avoid drinking alcohol or consume it only occasionally, says lead researcher Prof. Helmut Seitz.
Alcohol is thought to affect the female hormone estrogen, which can trigger the development of some forms of breast cancer.
The results are published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism .