Examine Yourself: Alcohol is a carcinogen and that means it can cause cancer

Alcohol is a risk factor for eight types of cancer - breast, mouth, throat, voice box, oesophagus, bowel, liver and pancreas.

It’s not just those with a ‘drinking problem’ who are affected. Even one drink a day can increase your risk of cancer.

There is no safe amount of alcohol. But the less you drink, the lower the risk

Did you know?

There are many benefits to cutting down.

You will:

• Be able to better manage your weight
• Have healthier skin
• Sleep better
• Have more money
• Have more energy
• Have better mental health
• Have a lower risk of stroke or heart disease

Why should women drink less than men?

Women tend to have a higher percentage of body fat and less fluid in their bodies than men.

That means that alcohol is less diluted in women’s bodies.

It takes less alcohol for us to feel the effects and alcohol stays in the body longer.

How to reduce risk

1.) Drink less

There is no safe amount of alcohol, but the less you drink, the lower your risk. Even 1 drink a day can increase your risk of some cancers.

Drink no more than two standard drinks a day if you are a man, with two or three alcohol-free days.

2.) Know how much you’re drinking

Most people drink more than they think.

Count your standard drinks for a week to find out. Remember, it’s how much you drink that matters.

All types of alcohol increase the risk of cancer.

Measure your drinks at home

It’s easy to pour a double or a treble measure of spirits without realising, and a big wine glass can hold 2 or 3 standard drinks.

3.) Drink some non-alcoholic drinks.

Try switching to non-alcoholic drinks as the evening goes on. Or have a few glasses of water in between.

4.) Dilute your alcohol

Use more mixer in your drink or go for low-alcohol beer or wines and remember a standard drink is:

• Half pint of stout, larger, cider
• A single measure of spirits
• A small glass of wine