October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Read. Talk. Grow. podcast has released a timely episode revisiting an important conversation: the link between alcohol and breast cancer. Author Clare Pooley, known for her memoir The Sober Diaries and bestselling novels, shares her deeply personal journey of quitting drinking, only to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the same year. She joins oncologist Dr. Karen Anderson from Mayo Clinic, who provides expert insight into the connection between alcohol and cancer risk.

Clare’s story is both eye-opening and relatable. Like many, she had no idea that alcohol is a carcinogen that increases the risk of breast cancer, even at low levels of consumption. In the podcast, she talks about her struggles with drinking, the turning point that made her quit, and the unexpected ways sobriety transformed her life. Dr. Anderson adds context from research, explaining why alcohol plays such a significant role in cancer risk and recurrence, and why these conversations need to be more open and frequent.

But this episode isn’t only about risks. It’s also about the benefits of connection, resilience, and hope. Clare describes how blogging about her recovery created a supportive community, showing that nobody has to face sobriety alone. Together with Dr. Anderson, she tackles the stigma surrounding words like “alcoholic” and reframes the real question: is alcohol helping or harming your life? For many, hearing this perspective can be the start of a healthier relationship with drinking, or a decision to stop altogether.

The discussion goes beyond cancer to touch on menopause, sleep, anxiety, and aging—areas where alcohol often makes symptoms worse. Listeners will come away not just with facts, but also with encouragement and practical wisdom. Whether you’re rethinking your own drinking, supporting someone else, or simply interested in women’s health, this episode offers valuable insights. It is a reminder that our choices matter, and that positive change, however difficult at first, can open unexpected doors.

Find more from Read. Talk. Grow. Podcast (USA, October 2025)