3 October, 2025

Does alcohol affect your risk of breast cancer?

The short answer is: yes. In the UK, it is estimated that 8% (around 4,400) of female breast cancer cases are linked to alcohol consumption. There is no safe threshold for alcohol consumption for women when it comes to breast cancer risk; the more alcohol a woman consumes, the greater the risk.

Understanding this connection is a strong motivation to rethink drinking habits. But saying no to alcohol can feel difficult, particularly in social situations where there is pressure to join in. So, how do you confidently decline alcohol in the face of peer pressure?

Peer pressure is the feeling of being influenced in a group setting. No matter age or gender, it ranges from gentle encouragement to being mocked on a night out. This may stir up the idea to have just one more, or the feeling that you should say yes to be polite. Even when the pressures aren’t easy to spot, it doesn’t mean that they don’t matter.

Breast Cancer UK, with the help of our ambassador Camille Vidal, have put together some practical strategies on how to say no to alcohol and build up your drink refusal skills.

How to say no to alcohol (and reduce your breast cancer risk)

Be prepared with a response

A polite but firm response is usually enough. You do not need to provide a detailed explanation if you do not wish to. A simple “No thank you, I am not drinking tonight” can be surprisingly powerful.

Keep a non-alcoholic drink in your hand

Having a soft drink, sparkling water, or an alcohol-free option can reduce the likelihood of repeated offers. It also gives you the opportunity to enjoy something delicious and celebratory without alcohol.

Be the designated driver

Offering to drive is one way to step out of peer pressure. You will also feel good knowing you are taking care of yourself and others, and you will probably spend less on petrol than you would on booze.

Refer to health reasons

If you feel comfortable, you can explain your decision by mentioning health benefits like reducing your risk of breast cancer. For example: “I am cutting back on alcohol for my health.” This not only reinforces your choice but may also inspire others to reflect on their own habits.

Strengthen your boundaries

Recognise when you feel under pressure to drink. It is common to experience pressure from friends, colleagues, or family members who expect everyone to drink. Remember that their choice is their own, and your choice deserves equal respect. With practice, saying no becomes easier and more natural.

Suggest alternative activities

If alcohol is the focus of a social gathering, suggest alternatives such as meeting for a coffee, arranging a mindful meal, or doing an activity that does not revolve around drinking.

Surround yourself with support

Spending time with people who respect your decision makes a significant difference. Seek out the people in your life who understand and support your health goals.

Surround yourself with support

Spending time with people who respect your decision makes a significant difference. Seek out the people in your life who understand and support your health goals. They are your allies.

Bottom line

Every time you choose to say no to alcohol, you are actively supporting your health and reducing your risk of breast cancer. Beyond risk reduction, many people also report better sleep, improved energy, and greater overall wellbeing when they cut back on alcohol.

Saying no to alcohol is not about missing out, it’s about making a positive, informed decision that prioritises your health and long-term wellbeing.

The main thing to remember is when people try to offer you a drink politely refuse, remind them that you’re not drinking, and to carry on. The more you refuse drinks, the easier it becomes.

Want to learn more? Visit our alcohol and breast cancer fact sheet.



Related Articles

1 October 2025

From concrete to conversation – the importance of breast checking

“If you don’t look for it, you could miss it”: pavement studs across the UK transform into nipples this October as we want everyone to check their breasts (and chest)...

Read full story

5 September 2025

Does eating organic food reduce my risk of breast cancer?

Do you ever wonder what impact your food choices have on your health? Beyond the obvious, does choosing organic food make a real difference, especially when it comes to concerns...

Read full story

14 August 2025

A guide to toxic-free back-to-school products

Take a look at Breast Cancer UK’s guide to toxic-free back-to-school products just in time for the new school year!   The summer is finally upon us, and with it...

Read full story

8 July 2025

Walking football: an inclusive way to stay active

Breast Cancer UK are all about inclusive ways to stay active, which is why we're proud to partner with the Walking Football Leagues Alliance for accessibility in sport. Discover how...

Read full story
Professor Val Speirs

A £10 donation today can help fund our PHD studentships to carry out world-class animal free research into the causes of breast cancer.

 

Donate £10

A donation of £30 can help fund our Prevention Hub so your loved ones can learn how to reduce their risk.

Donate £20

Your donation of £50 can fund our animal free research and educational programmes to prevent breast cancer for future generations.

Donate £50

Just want to help in some way? donate an amount that feels right for you

Start Your Donation

Donate Now

Make a Donation

Share:

My One Time Donation

I want to make a one time donation of

Thank you. You’re just a few steps away from completing your donation.

+25% with Gift Aid

If you are a UK taxpayer, the value of your gift can be increased by 25% under the Gift Aid scheme at no extra cost to you.

This means that your donation of £100.00 could be worth an extra £25.00 to us, and it doesn't cost you a penny!

My Monthly Donation

I want to make a monthly donation

You’re just a few steps away from completing your donation.

+25% with Gift Aid

If you are a UK taxpayer, the value of your gift can be increased by 25% under the Gift Aid scheme at no extra cost to you.

This means that your donation of £100.00 could be worth an extra £25.00 to us, and it doesn't cost you a penny!

One Time Donation Monthly Donation
Make a donation with Gift Aid

Gift Aid is reclaimed by the Breast Cancer UK from the tax that I pay for the current tax year. If I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations, it is my responsibility to pay any difference. Breast Cancer UK will reclaim 25p in tax back for every £1 I donate.

Your payment details

Your donation amount

Donation Allocation (Optional)

Additional Comments (Optional)

Stay in Touch

We’d love to keep you posted on how your support can make a difference to Breast Cancer UK and the exciting ways you can support us in the future.

Please tick if you’re happy to receive information from us by:

By completing an online donation, your data will be handled in accordance with the Breast Cancer UK’s privacy policy.

Thank You Wall

If you donate over £50, as a way of saying thank you for your donation, we would like to feature your donation on our virtual thank you wall on our website.

Donations will only feature on the wall for up to two months depending on the level of donations we receive.

You must fill out all required fields before paying.

Processing...

Need help making your donation?

If you need help to make a donation or have any questions about making one, please contact us…

Call 08456801322
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.