Does alcohol lead to breast cancer?

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - A recent study says the amount of alcohol a woman consumes dictates her chances of getting breast cancer.

A study by Japan's Health Ministry shows that women who drink heavily are 75% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who abstain from alcohol.

Japanese researchers tracked about 50,000 women between their 40s and 60s for a 13 year period.

They found there was about one case of breast cancer for every 100 non-drinkers, and there were 2.1 cases of the disease for every 100 women who drank more than seven cups of Japanese Rice Wine or 14 glasses of wine per week.

Dr. Cyrus Kotwall, the head oncologist at the Zimmer Cancer Center in Wilmington, said the study is valid.

"One glass is probably okay," said Dr. Kotwall.  "As soon as you start drink two or three you really increase your risk. One glass is ok, especially red wine to decrease your cardiovascular factors."

The survey found no difference in the risk of developing breast cancer between occasional and moderate drinkers.