Alcohol Consumption: Discussing Potential Risks for Informed Decisions in Breast Cancer Survivors.
BACKGROUND
Alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for breast cancer. Because breast cancer survivors are already at risk for recurrence, it is important to understand whether these survivors could benefit from survivor-specific recommendations for alcohol consumption.


OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this article was to review primary research specific to alcohol and breast cancer survivors to see whether those who consume alcohol experience more adverse effects.


METHODS
This literature review examined nine cohort studies specific to breast cancer survivors, alcohol consumption, and risks for breast cancer recurrence, breast cancer-specific mortality, and second primary breast cancers.


FINDINGS
Current guideline recommendations of a safe limit of one drink per day or less may not protect breast cancer survivors from cancer- related adverse events. The authors recommend that breast cancer survivors be educated about the associated risks of alcohol consumption so that they can make informed decisions about usage.
['Terry|Katherine|K|', 'Mayer|Deborah K|DK|', 'Wehner|Kimberly|K|']
alcohol consumption breast cancer recurrence survivorship