For the main analysis, the analytic period began in 1980 when alcohol intake was first assessed. From the initial cohort of 121,700 women enrolled in 1976, after excluding those who died or developed cancer before 1980 (n=5565) or did not return any alcohol assessments (n=10149), 105,986 women entered the analysis beginning in 1980. Women who developed any type of cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer) were censored at the time of their diagnosis. For analyses of drinking patterns and drinking during early adult life, follow up began with the 1988 questionnaire and included the 74, 854 participants who answered questions regarding their current and past drinking patterns.
