A woman who drinks alcohol -- whether it is beer, wine or liquor -- is more likely to get breast cancer, according to a new study.

The study by Kaiser Permanente looked at information from more than 70,000 women from 1978 to 1985. By 2004, more than 2,800 -- 4 percent -- had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

They found that women who had one or two drinks a day were 10 percent more likely to get breast cancer than light drinkers. Those who drank more had an even higher risk, leading researchers to say that it is the volume of alcohol consumed that increases the risk.

The researchers said the effect of having three or more drinks a day is the same as smoking a pack of cigarettes.

The results were the same across ethnic groups, researchers said.

Other studies, including research from the same authors, have shown light to moderate alcohol drinking can protect against heart attacks, according to a news release.