in higher blood alcohol levels than from a single drink, which can result in qualitatively different metabolic consequences, such as the induction of CYP2E1 and formation of free radicals (see below). In support of this concept, a recent study (Chen et al., 2011) showed that binge drinking (defined as 4 or more drinks at one time for a woman) was modestly associated with breast cancer risk, after controlling for cumulative intake. It should also be noted here that the problem with underestimating actual consumption in epidemiologic studies is likely to be even more significant in analyses related to binge drinking. In contrast to moderate alcohol consumption, binge drinking is socially inappropriate, and therefore more likely to be intentionally underreported by participants (Giovannucci et al., 1993).
