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Just half a glass of wine a day increases the risk of breast cancer, new report says

A new report has suggested drinking just half a glass of wine or a small beer a day can increase the risk of breast cancer.

According to a study by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), a small amount of wine or beer a day (about 10g of alcohol) raises the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer by 5% and pushes up the risk by 9% in the case of post-menopausal.

Dr Rachel Thompson, head of research interpretation at the WCRF, said: “To help prevent breast cancer, one of the most important steps women can take is to not drink alcohol or reduce the amount of alcohol they drink.