Mount Sinai’s newest Vitals podcast features Dr. Alisa Port, chief of breast surgery, in a conversation about the newly released U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory warning that alcohol increases cancer risk, including breast cancer. Dr. Port explains that while the connection between alcohol and cancers of the digestive system may seem obvious, its impact on breast cancer is linked to hormone levels. Alcohol interferes with the liver’s ability to break down estrogen, which can raise circulating estrogen levels and fuel many breast cancers.

She notes that new evidence has clarified that no level of alcohol is risk-free when it comes to breast cancer. Even low or moderate drinking slightly increases lifetime risk, although the absolute increase is small. Since about 60 to 70 percent of breast cancers are hormone-driven, alcohol becomes a meaningful modifiable risk factor. Dr. Port emphasizes that moderation matters – defined as no more than five drinks per week – and daily drinking should be avoided, since a habit carries more risk.

The discussion also highlights screening guidelines and the importance of early detection. For women at average risk, annual mammograms are recommended starting at age 40, with additional ultrasounds considered for those with dense breast tissue. Women with BRCA gene mutations face much higher risks, require earlier and more intensive screening, and may even consider preventive surgery. Dr. Port’s key message is that while genetic factors cannot be controlled, choices around alcohol and regular screening provide opportunities to reduce risk.

Find more from Mount Sinai Center of Excellence for Breast Cancer (USA, September 2025)