According to American scientists, it puts them at an increased chance of getting breast cancer and some other alcohol-related forms of the disease.
Men who would be classified as light drinkers also have a raised risk, but only if they are also smokers.
Senator and cancer specialist Professor John Crown says the problem posed by even small amounts of drink is the most relevant part of the new study, published in the British Medical Journal.
“Earlier studies showed that women who had heavier alcohol intakes clearly had an increased risk of breast cancer, compared to women ho had 'moderate alcohol intakes' – that is not new news” he said.
“But what is new news is that even those who are low consumers are at somewhat – slight – but somewhat of an increased risk” he added.
