Drinking wine may have protective effects against breast cancer on some women, and increase the risk in others.

BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes are known as tumor suppressors. However previous research has shown women with hereditary mutations to these genes appear to be at an increased risk for breast cancer.

Canadian researchers studied more than eight hundred breast cancer patients, including some with the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations.

Scientists examined their lifestyle choices, including alcoholic consumption, and at what age they were diagnosed with breast cancer.

They found those with the BRCA-1 gene mutation showed a 62% lower likelihood of breast cancer than the general population if they drank wine.

On the other hand those with the BRCA-2 gene mutation showed nearly a sixty percent greater risk of contracting the disease if they drank wine.

Study authors urge further research to better understand the mechanism by which alcohol increases breast cancer risk.

Findings are slated for publication in 'The Breast Journal.'

Breast cancer Breast cancer Medicine Breast cancer