Risk of cancer increases with every drink, research shows

ONE in 10 cancers in men and one in 33 cancers in women across western Europe are caused by drinking, according to new research.

While even small amounts increase the risk, drinking above recommended limits causes the majority of cancer cases linked to alcohol. Even former drinkers are still at risk of cancer, including of the oesophagus, breast, mouth and bowel.

Guidelines state that men should drink no more than three to four units a day while women should not go over two to three units a day.