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New York, New York - November 1, 2011

A new study shows even low amounts of alcohol can increase a woman's risk of breast cancer.

Tracy Richards enjoys an occasional drink. "Probably one, two maybe three on a Friday night," said the Mesa, Arizona resident.

But a new study shows even low levels of alcohol could have consequences. Research  in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows women who drink small amounts of alcohol -- 3 to 6 drinks a week -- increase their risk of breast cancer by 15-percent.

Researchers also found heavier drinkers -- women who had at least two drinks per day -- increased their risk by 51-percent compared to women who never drank any alcohol.

"I tell my patients to have several drinks a week or less, but it has to do with a long period of time, not just over the past month," said Dr. Wendy Chen with Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Doctors aren't sure what the connection is between breast cancer and alcohol, but they think it has something to do with how alcohol affects estrogen levels in the body.

The study author says its up to the individual to weigh the risks. A woman with a history of breast cancer may want to cut down on her drinking, but a woman with heart problems may want to continue having a glass of wine for cardiovascular benefits.  Richards says she will try to drink less.

"If I were younger, in my twenties say, it wouldn't matter so much to me but
being older and wiser and with a history, definitely," she said.

Researchers say there's always time to cut back and lower your risk.

Randall Pinkston - CBS News