Expert Answers to Readers’ Questions

Should I still drink alcohol, since alcohol is both a risk for breast cancer in women and beneficial for heart disease?

That is an extremely difficult question to answer. There is a definite benefit of moderate alcohol consumption on heart disease, however there is also an increased risk of breast cancer with alcohol intake. If you have a strong family history or previous medical history of breast cancer, it is likely best to avoid alcohol. This is a question that requires weighing the risks and benefits of the situation with your primary care physician based on your personal medical history. In addition, there are a number of ways other than alcohol to decrease your risk of heart disease, such as regular physical activity, not smoking or quitting smoking if you currently smoke, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat and trans fat, and maintaining a healthy weight.

To learn more, read Alcohol: Balancing Risks and Benefits.

What is considered one serving of alcohol?

There is no set standard for what is considered one serving of alcohol. However, a general guideline followed by many health professionals is that one serving of alcohol equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1 ½ ounces of spirits, such as vodka or whisky.

To learn more, read Alcohol: Balancing Risks and Benefits.

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