New Study Explores Alcohol Consumption in Breast Cancer Survivors

Research led by Dr Emma Davies at Oxford Brookes University reveals that while most breast cancer survivors drink at low-risk levels, 1 in 4 are at risk. The study calls for clearer guidelines and personalised interventions.

A study by Dr Emma Davies, a Reader in Psychology from Oxford Brookes University and colleagues, funded by the Oxford Brookes University Research Excellence Award, has revealed important new findings about alcohol consumption patterns among breast cancer survivors.

Conducted with 140 participants, the study found that three-quarters of those who drank alcohol were drinking at low-risk levels, however,1 in 4 were drinking at levels that indicated they could be at risk of further health harms.

Of those who were drinking alcohol 17% expressed a strong desire to change their drinking habits. However, habitual drinking behaviours, influenced by social norms and conflicting information received about drinking after a diagnosis of breast cancer, were identified as major barriers to change.

The study emphasises the need for clear guidelines tailored specifically to breast cancer survivors, as well as support systems that include family and friends to encourage healthier habits. This research suggests that a holistic approach to behaviour change—focusing on habit development and involving close social networks—may be more effective in reducing risky drinking patterns among survivors.

Speaking about the findings Emma said, “The findings have important implications for healthcare professionals looking to talk about lifestyle behaviours, such as drinking alcohol, with breast cancer survivors. They emphasise the need for accurate risk information and personalised interventions that address both individual and social influences to enable people to make changes if that is something they want to do.”

The project’s principal investigator, Professor Eila Watson, Professor in Supportive Cancer Care, and Deputy Director (interim) of OxINAHR commented on the project, “The findings clearly indicate the importance of interventions to help women with breast cancer make informed choices about alcohol consumption and to support those who wish to reduce their intake to do so”.  

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