Supporting Your Mind and Body

Daily Indulgences Explained

People gathered around a dinner table toasting with drinks, surrounded by candles and assorted dishes.

Sugar, Snacking, and Alcohol

What you put on your plate and in your glass can start to feel more important—or more confusing. This straightforward information helps break things down so you can make informed, manageable choices.

Make Informed Choices About Sugar

Eating well is about balance—not perfection. While sugar doesn’t directly “feed” cancer, it provides little nutritional value and can lead to weight gain and other health concerns when consumed in excess.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Sugar lacks essential nutrients that support overall health
Eating too much added sugar can contribute to unwanted weight gain
High sugar intake may affect how your body produces and regulates insulin
Some early research suggests that excess insulin could be linked to tumor growth

Simple ways to limit added sugars:

Cut back on sugar-sweetened drinks like soda, sports drinks, and fruit punches
Choose lower-sugar alternatives to candy, pastries, and sugary cereals
Read nutrition labels to identify hidden sources of added sugars

Person dipping a seasoned triangular chip into a creamy sauce, surrounded by condiments on a black plate.

Smart Snacking

Snacks can play an important role in keeping your energy stable, especially on days when your appetite may be low or your schedule is unpredictable. Light bites that include lean protein and/or complex carbohydrates can help sustain your energy, keep you feeling full longer and support your nutritional goals without adding unnecessary sugar or fat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Snacking

What makes a healthy snack?

What fruits and veggies are best for snacking?

What dips add flavor and nutritional value?

What snacks travel well?

How can I pair protein and complex carbs for a balanced snack?

Alcohol: What You Should Know

Whether you’re in treatment, recovering, or managing a long-term diagnosis, it’s natural to have questions about alcohol. Research is still evolving, but here’s what we currently understand, along with a few myths we can clear up.

Myth: Alcohol directly causes breast cancer.

Fact: Alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, but the exact reason is still unclear. Some researchers believe alcohol raises estrogen levels in the blood, which may contribute to this risk.

Myth: If you’ve had breast cancer, drinking alcohol is completely off-limits.

Fact: Most studies have not found a clear link between moderate alcohol use and breast cancer recurrence. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects.

Myth: A glass of wine a day is good for everyone.

Fact: While alcohol may offer some heart-protective benefits, even one drink per day may raise breast cancer risk. This is especially important for young adults who may already face increased cardiovascular risk due to early menopause caused by treatment.

If You Choose to Drink

Drink in moderation–no more than one drink per day on average:

12 oz beer
5 oz wine
1.5 oz hard liquor

Be aware of the potential risks. Even low levels of alcohol could affect breast cancer risk, so it’s important to stay informed. If you drink, make sure to get at least 400 mcg of folate (folic acid) daily, which may help reduce the potential risk associated with alcohol use. Talk it through: Everyone’s situation is different. Discuss your alcohol use with your care team to understand what’s right for your body, your treatment plan, and your long-term wellness goals.