Factors associated with and patterns of alcohol intake in late survivorship for breast cancer survivors

Purpose To evaluate alcohol intake trends and identify demographic, clinical, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors associated with alcohol consumption in late survivorship among breast cancer survivors. Methods Individuals diagnosed with stage 0–3 breast cancer enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Breast Disease registry between 2014 to 2022 reported their average weekly alcohol intake at baseline (time of diagnosis) and at approximately four years post-diagnosis. Alcohol intake was divided into four categories and cross-sectional associations with demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors were examined using Monte Carlo-based Fisher exact tests and multivariable multinomial logistic regression. Changes in alcohol consumption from baseline to Year 4 were evaluated using Bowker’s test of symmetry and multinomial models. Results Among 719 participants, alcohol intake 4 years post diagnosis closely resembled baseline patterns, with 30.2% of patients reporting no alcohol use and 48.8% of patients consuming 1–4 drinks per week. Younger age and current smoking status were strongly associated with higher intake at Year 4. Exercise and better physical health were associated with higher alcohol intake in univariable models, however not in adjusted models. From time of diagnosis to Year 4, 15.6% of patients decreased their alcohol intake, 10.2% increased alcohol intake, and 74.3% reported no change. Higher levels of mild intensity exercise were associated with an elevation in alcohol intake over time. Conclusion Alcohol consumption remained stable in late survivorship, in contrast to the initial decline in alcohol use during early survivorship seen in this cohort. Younger age and smoking were key associations with higher alcohol intake.