Having an alcoholic drink when you’re out with family or friends, or just relaxing at home, is an enjoyable part of life for many people. But there’s a well-established link between alcohol and cancer.
It’s known that alcohol causes seven types of cancer, including breast, mouth, throat and bowel cancer.
Consumption of any amount of alcohol increases your risk. The more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk of developing cancer. Reducing your consumption or, even better, avoiding alcohol completely will help to reduce your risk.
- Remember, drinking and smoking together multiply your risk of developing certain cancers.
- Eighteen is the legal age to drink alcohol. It’s important that we teach our children that alcohol is bad for our health and that underage drinking is illegal.
Tips on cutting down alcohol
There are lots of simple ways to cut down:
- Have more alcohol-free days each week
- Decide on a limit and make sure you don’t go over it
- Alternate between alcoholic drinks and low-calorie soft drinks
- Try shandy instead of beer, or have a spritzer
- Don’t stock up on alcohol at home
- If you top up drinks it’s harder to keep track
- Avoid rounds – that way you don’t have to keep pace with anyone
- Ask a friend or partner to support you – or even join you
Click here for more information about alcohol and cancer.
