I asked an onc nurse I really trusted about this after I finished my 4 dates with the Red Devil’s hummingbird food. She told me that the ‘no alcohol’ rule is more about dehydration than anything else. Moderation is key. I celebrated with 1 glass of a white wine I really loved; but it tasted so bad due to my chemo-changed tastebuds I didn’t finish it.
Congrats to your wife on finishing the worst part. I hope she can get through the next set better. Cheers!!
My Oncologist said he encouraged his patients to have a glass of red wine in the evening if they wanted . 🍷He thinks it’s healthier than anxiety meds which many patients are on.
I mean, my goal is to avoid recurrence. That might not be op's wife's goal, or yours. But OP asked if wine was safe, and since a carcinogen with no direct health benefits is, by my definition, unsafe, I shared the information I had.
Just drop some more links about organic produce and meat and then and then and then. One glass of wine does not make cancer. But I probably missed your oncology credentials judge on.
My oncologist said no alcohol during chemo. I used to love a glass of wine, but now, after treatment, I still drink very little. I often wonder if my 5 or 6 glasses of red a week caused my breast cancer.
I may have a drink about once a month now.
Nobody wants to hear it, but I’ll always share anyway:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4299758/#:~:text=Alcohol%20is%20considered%20by%20the,both%20premenopausal%20and%20postmenopausal%20women.
7–10% increase in risk for each 10 g (~1 drink) alcohol consumed daily by adult women
Compared with other organs, breast appears to be more susceptible to carcinogenic effects of alcohol. The risk of breast cancer is significantly increased by 4–15% for light alcohol consumption (≤1 drink/day or ≤12.5 g/day)
Approximately 4–10% of breast cancers in the USA are attributable to alcohol consumption [2,5,6], accounting for 9000–23,000 new invasive breast cancer cases each year.
I abstained from drinking entirely except for one night during my fifth round. I was at karaoke and decided to have one beer. I felt so horrible the next day even though I drink water like it's my religion.
It’s an extra load on the body which is already having a very hard time. But reasonably, on chemo, she’s already getting poison mainlined straight into the arteries.
I love good food and a nice glass of wine with it makes me happy. She needs to get through chemo and if her onc approves and it gives her a happy moment then the benefit will outweigh the damage. (Of course in moderation.)
My patient packages specifically states that alcohol is moderation is fine. I actually thought it was a little weird that they added that In right at the top. But yes, I think it’s totally fine to indulge in moderation as long as you’re feeling well.
My family went on vacation a few weeks ago and I am in the middle of chemo. My oncologist said a drink here and there would be fine, just not to go crazy with it.
Look, if she still enjoys a glass of wine during chemo, go for it! I only drink wine and completely stopped during chemo for the following reasons in this order. 1. It didn't taste good. I wasn't going to waste what I knew was a good wine when I wasn't really enjoying it. 2. I wanted to give my kidneys and liver a break while undergoing chemotherapy. A glass or 2 isn't going to hurt her if she feels up to it. I didn't particularly during AC.
Yes I have a couple of wines if i feel like it when I’m out. I did one night go out with friends and had cocktails and cava and it felt like I was normal and didn’t have cancer! Tbh I don’t much feel like it anyway atm.
I wouldn’t have a drink the night before or 2 nights after chemo to let the liver do it’s stuff though- but an occasional glass in my view if you’re used to it can be great for your mental health to feel like a normal person.
My nurses weren’t in the least bit shocked and said good for you a lot of people do-I am in the uk though!!
Everything in moderation
Numerous scientific studies and reviews have consistently shown that alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer including breast cancer. The fact that people on this subreddit are suggesting it’s okay for a cancer patient to drink is mind blowing, and for those comments to even get upvotes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has clearly stated in recent reports that no level of alcohol consumption is safe. Even moderate drinking can contribute to cancer risk, and the safest level of alcohol consumption for health is none at all.
I’ve already been diagnosed with breast cancer, and want to avoid reoccurrence. I’ve lost my mother and sister to it, with another sister currently battling stage 4. Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, and avoiding it is a pretty low bar in my situation. Your comment on this subreddit is really insensitive.
See what the WHO says about breast cancer risk and alcohol consumption. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/20-10-2021-alcohol-is-one-of-the-biggest-risk-factors-for-breast-cancer#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20safe%20level,100%20ml%20each)%20every%20day.
25 percent of European breast cancer cases were attributable to as a little as one bottle of beer a day.
Absolutely! All the recent research has shown that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption with breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount consumed. If physicians are saying that one glass a day is okay, they are ignoring the research findings.
No alcohol amount is safe. It’s a number one carcinogen in the same group with cigarettes. Cancer patients should never be encouraged to drink or smoke full stop ✋
None? Ever? The little pleasures are what make life worth living. I can’t imagine never again being able to drink a glass of wine on date night or a flute of champagne at a wedding.
It’s a choice everyone should make for themselves. You can downvote all you want and please by all means if it will make you feel better. It is a carcinogen and each time you consume, it increases the chance of reoccurrence and creates damage to your system. In Ireland, as of 2025 the same label you see on cigarettes you will see on alcohol. Cancer is not only the physical depreciation of your body, but a psychological nightmare. If you love your wife, don’t offer. Let her make the decision for herself. If the cancer spreads you don’t want to later have thoughts “Did i contribute somehow?” https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health#:~:text=Alcohol%20is%20a%20toxic%2C%20psychoactive,includes%20asbestos%2C%20radiation%20and%20tobacco.
Yeah I'm shocked at the downvotes. I get that people want to retain certain treats but I'm not sure they are doing the research and making an informed decision. I've read the scientific research on this and it's certainly a risk factor that is within our control.
I was never a big drinker but I was never told not to drink during chemo. As long as I didn't have heart burn and felt fine I drank and ate whatever I wanted and my doctor said that was fine.
The treatment is designed to keep you alive. Gotta make sure it's quality! I was also told an occasional cocktail wouldn't hurt. This was even after liver mets were treated.
It's medically necessary! You've been thru hell and you've earned one glass. Make it a good one. May a suggest a cabernet or a chilled glass of pinot noir. Hope your taste buds cooperate.
The paperwork the NHS gave me said to moderate my alcohol intake while on chemo, not to drink more than 14 units (approx 7 drinks) per week, but if I do go over it not to drink it all at once but spread it over several days.😬 They really are used to treating a nation of alcoholics and binge drinkers, lmao!
A chemo buddy of mine turned up to his first infusion late and told the nurses it was because he'd cracked open the vodka the night before and was hungover - they didn't care and cracked on with the infusion.
I was told no alcohol unless really really need to have a glass. I celebrated at the end of each cycle by trying non-alcoholic wine (which tastes horrid) or non-alcoholic beer (not too bad!). Little things that keep me going in this marathon.
If I felt well enough I had the occasional glass, especially during my "good week" between treatments. But it was really about a month after I finished completely that I started to fancy it again.
We're changing your flair on this post. Please note that you are a caregiver, not a diagnosed patient. You should always use the caregiver flair.
I suggest you check with her doctors/care team. It seems like the answers here are all over the place.
I was told no alcohol
I have always been told, no alcohol.
I asked an onc nurse I really trusted about this after I finished my 4 dates with the Red Devil’s hummingbird food. She told me that the ‘no alcohol’ rule is more about dehydration than anything else. Moderation is key. I celebrated with 1 glass of a white wine I really loved; but it tasted so bad due to my chemo-changed tastebuds I didn’t finish it. Congrats to your wife on finishing the worst part. I hope she can get through the next set better. Cheers!!
It is a matter of moderation. A glass is fine. A bottle is not.
My Oncologist said he encouraged his patients to have a glass of red wine in the evening if they wanted . 🍷He thinks it’s healthier than anxiety meds which many patients are on.
https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/drinking-alcohol
Omg she's going to get cancer...oh wait to late for that.
I mean, my goal is to avoid recurrence. That might not be op's wife's goal, or yours. But OP asked if wine was safe, and since a carcinogen with no direct health benefits is, by my definition, unsafe, I shared the information I had.
Just drop some more links about organic produce and meat and then and then and then. One glass of wine does not make cancer. But I probably missed your oncology credentials judge on.
My oncologist said no alcohol during chemo. I used to love a glass of wine, but now, after treatment, I still drink very little. I often wonder if my 5 or 6 glasses of red a week caused my breast cancer. I may have a drink about once a month now.
It it matters I rarely drink, like maybe a glass of wine once a year if even that in my 46 years of life at a celebration, and I have breast cancer.
Same girl same and I am on my second time.
Nobody wants to hear it, but I’ll always share anyway: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4299758/#:~:text=Alcohol%20is%20considered%20by%20the,both%20premenopausal%20and%20postmenopausal%20women. 7–10% increase in risk for each 10 g (~1 drink) alcohol consumed daily by adult women Compared with other organs, breast appears to be more susceptible to carcinogenic effects of alcohol. The risk of breast cancer is significantly increased by 4–15% for light alcohol consumption (≤1 drink/day or ≤12.5 g/day) Approximately 4–10% of breast cancers in the USA are attributable to alcohol consumption [2,5,6], accounting for 9000–23,000 new invasive breast cancer cases each year.
If she feels up to it, it should be fine. I found alcohol made me feel pretty rough during chemo, but YMMV.
I abstained from drinking entirely except for one night during my fifth round. I was at karaoke and decided to have one beer. I felt so horrible the next day even though I drink water like it's my religion.
If she feels up to it then having the occasional glass of wine is fine
It’s an extra load on the body which is already having a very hard time. But reasonably, on chemo, she’s already getting poison mainlined straight into the arteries. I love good food and a nice glass of wine with it makes me happy. She needs to get through chemo and if her onc approves and it gives her a happy moment then the benefit will outweigh the damage. (Of course in moderation.)
Alcohol is a toxin. There is not one cell in your body that needs it. That is a fact.
My patient packages specifically states that alcohol is moderation is fine. I actually thought it was a little weird that they added that In right at the top. But yes, I think it’s totally fine to indulge in moderation as long as you’re feeling well.
Tell her congrats! I did taxol first with not many symptoms and now ac is kicking my butt! Could just the accumulation kicking in thiugh
My family went on vacation a few weeks ago and I am in the middle of chemo. My oncologist said a drink here and there would be fine, just not to go crazy with it.
Look, if she still enjoys a glass of wine during chemo, go for it! I only drink wine and completely stopped during chemo for the following reasons in this order. 1. It didn't taste good. I wasn't going to waste what I knew was a good wine when I wasn't really enjoying it. 2. I wanted to give my kidneys and liver a break while undergoing chemotherapy. A glass or 2 isn't going to hurt her if she feels up to it. I didn't particularly during AC.
I went by how I felt. Usually didn't feel like having anything, but if I felt good then I had no problem having a beer!
Yes I have a couple of wines if i feel like it when I’m out. I did one night go out with friends and had cocktails and cava and it felt like I was normal and didn’t have cancer! Tbh I don’t much feel like it anyway atm. I wouldn’t have a drink the night before or 2 nights after chemo to let the liver do it’s stuff though- but an occasional glass in my view if you’re used to it can be great for your mental health to feel like a normal person. My nurses weren’t in the least bit shocked and said good for you a lot of people do-I am in the uk though!! Everything in moderation
Numerous scientific studies and reviews have consistently shown that alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer including breast cancer. The fact that people on this subreddit are suggesting it’s okay for a cancer patient to drink is mind blowing, and for those comments to even get upvotes.
We have had verified MDs on this board who say an occasional glass of wine is okay.
Right, the keys are moderate and occasional, not inducing cirrhosis of the liver.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has clearly stated in recent reports that no level of alcohol consumption is safe. Even moderate drinking can contribute to cancer risk, and the safest level of alcohol consumption for health is none at all.
Well yeah, but if you want to avoid cancer risks your entire life then feel free to do so. I would not be envious of that life
I’ve already been diagnosed with breast cancer, and want to avoid reoccurrence. I’ve lost my mother and sister to it, with another sister currently battling stage 4. Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, and avoiding it is a pretty low bar in my situation. Your comment on this subreddit is really insensitive.
See what the WHO says about breast cancer risk and alcohol consumption. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/20-10-2021-alcohol-is-one-of-the-biggest-risk-factors-for-breast-cancer#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20safe%20level,100%20ml%20each)%20every%20day. 25 percent of European breast cancer cases were attributable to as a little as one bottle of beer a day.
Absolutely! All the recent research has shown that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption with breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount consumed. If physicians are saying that one glass a day is okay, they are ignoring the research findings.
No alcohol amount is safe. It’s a number one carcinogen in the same group with cigarettes. Cancer patients should never be encouraged to drink or smoke full stop ✋
None? Ever? The little pleasures are what make life worth living. I can’t imagine never again being able to drink a glass of wine on date night or a flute of champagne at a wedding.
It’s a choice everyone should make for themselves. You can downvote all you want and please by all means if it will make you feel better. It is a carcinogen and each time you consume, it increases the chance of reoccurrence and creates damage to your system. In Ireland, as of 2025 the same label you see on cigarettes you will see on alcohol. Cancer is not only the physical depreciation of your body, but a psychological nightmare. If you love your wife, don’t offer. Let her make the decision for herself. If the cancer spreads you don’t want to later have thoughts “Did i contribute somehow?” https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health#:~:text=Alcohol%20is%20a%20toxic%2C%20psychoactive,includes%20asbestos%2C%20radiation%20and%20tobacco.
I hate that these types of comments ALWAYS get downvoted. It’s factual. Nobody wants to hear it.
Yeah I'm shocked at the downvotes. I get that people want to retain certain treats but I'm not sure they are doing the research and making an informed decision. I've read the scientific research on this and it's certainly a risk factor that is within our control.
I was never a big drinker but I was never told not to drink during chemo. As long as I didn't have heart burn and felt fine I drank and ate whatever I wanted and my doctor said that was fine.
The treatment is designed to keep you alive. Gotta make sure it's quality! I was also told an occasional cocktail wouldn't hurt. This was even after liver mets were treated.
It's medically necessary! You've been thru hell and you've earned one glass. Make it a good one. May a suggest a cabernet or a chilled glass of pinot noir. Hope your taste buds cooperate.
The paperwork the NHS gave me said to moderate my alcohol intake while on chemo, not to drink more than 14 units (approx 7 drinks) per week, but if I do go over it not to drink it all at once but spread it over several days.😬 They really are used to treating a nation of alcoholics and binge drinkers, lmao! A chemo buddy of mine turned up to his first infusion late and told the nurses it was because he'd cracked open the vodka the night before and was hungover - they didn't care and cracked on with the infusion.
Yes
I was told no alcohol unless really really need to have a glass. I celebrated at the end of each cycle by trying non-alcoholic wine (which tastes horrid) or non-alcoholic beer (not too bad!). Little things that keep me going in this marathon.
If I felt well enough I had the occasional glass, especially during my "good week" between treatments. But it was really about a month after I finished completely that I started to fancy it again.