did I cause my breast cancer with alcohol

We will never know what causes our breast cancer so there is no point in second guessing it. I read plenty about alcohol when I was diagnosed and after not drinking all the way through chemo (couldn't stand it!), I started to feel really guilty whenever I had any kind of drink when I started to enjoy it again. I spoke to my oncologist about it and he said as long as I am not binge drinking and have plenty of days off etc, then no need to feel guilty.

I have cut down my drinking and the breast cancer has really spurred me on to only drink at weekends and not to have that much. But that means I can still enjoy a bit more every now and then without feeling guilty about it.

Reading between the lines of your post, I think you may be feeling like you need to reassess your relationship with alcohol. There is little point in feeling guilty about what has gone on in the past, but if having breast cancer helps you to reduce your alcohol in the future, then that is a really positive thing to come out of it. Use your diagnosis to gain strength to reduce your intake, but don't feel guilty about the past - enjoy the future, and maybe even a healthily you.

Yes you are correct I have always had a guilt about it not because I drink anymore than anyone else but it just affects me worse.  I have toyed for years on giving it up but I think now is the time.  Just can't bare to think I caused the cancer x

Hi April L I admire you for choosing to give up alcohol. You need to go with what you feel is right for you and it will have lots of health benefits. However, try not to blame yourself because there are so many factors that cause cancer and not one factor alone. I think we all have enough to deal with without also feeling guilty that we somehow brought this on ourselves. I felt really guilty when I was diagnosed and searched for reasons why I could have caused this disease myself. It wasn't good for my mental health to be feeling like that when I needed to be strong. I wanted to tell you that I haven't had alcohol for about 10 years and I still got breast cancer... Don't blame yourself. Wishing you lots of luck with it. Sending hugs. x

There are many many people who have never drunk alcohol and still get breast cancer. Of course it could be a factor for us all, as can pollution and a myriad of things we can’t control. Cancer doesn’t discriminate between worthy or unworthy, good or bad, it’s not your fault, it’s not any of our fault.

I really admire though that you are facing up to an understanding that alcohol is not your friend and may not be something that’s good for you. I hope this helps you to reach out and get help with your drinking so you can have a healthy relationship with it and others. Be proud of yourself, massive hugs xx