In summary, one explanation for the observed relationship between moderate alcohol consumption in postmenopausal women and breast cancer incidence is that alcohol consumption acts upon pre-existing breast cancer cells, or the tissue surrounding the tumor, in a manner that increases the likelihood of a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer. While studies do not support a mechanism involving increased estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, other plausible mechanisms include elevated DHEAS, which could be converted to estradiol in breast tissue, or ethanol stimulation of the EMT and tumor invasiveness. Further research into these possibilities could lead to clinical benefit in alcohol related breast cancer.
