One of the most consumed beverages in the UK, this well-loved drink is everywhere. From graduations, birthdays, funerals, and all big gatherings, it’s pretty impossible to escape.
This drink plays a central role in celebrations, parties, and life events. However, it’s important to be aware that drinking alcohol — whether it’s wine, beer, fizz, or spirits — increases the risk of developing seven types of cancer.
Numerous studies have shown that the more alcohol you consume, particularly on a regular basis, the higher your cancer risk, reports Surrey Live. Even low levels of drinking, such as one drink per day, or occasional binge drinking, can contribute to this risk.
The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it’s proven to cause cancer in humans. Here’s a closer look at the cancers linked to alcohol consumption:
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and alcohol consumption is one of its significant risk factors. Alcohol can raise levels of hormones like oestrogen in the body, which is associated with an increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer.
According to Cancer Research UK, alcohol causes about one in 10 breast cancer cases, equating to roughly 4,400 cases annually. Even small amounts of alcohol can elevate this risk.
Mouth and Throat Cancer
Alcohol irritates the tissues in the mouth, throat, oesophagus, and stomach. Over time, this irritation can lead to inflammation and tissue damage, which increases the likelihood of cancer.
For those who smoke as well as drink, the risks are even higher. Tobacco and alcohol together create a combined effect, causing greater cellular damage. Alcohol may also enhance the body’s absorption of cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke, compounding the risk further.
Liver Cancer
Chronic alcohol consumption is a leading cause of liver damage and is associated with a two-fold increase in the risk of liver cancer. Conditions such as alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis damage liver cells and create an environment conducive to cancer development.
Bowel Cancer
Alcohol can harm the cells lining the bowel, increasing the likelihood of bowel cancer. Research shows that people consuming three to four drinks daily face a 1.5 times greater risk than non-drinkers. For every two units of alcohol consumed per day, the risk of bowel cancer increases by nine percent.
How to cut back on alcohol
Reducing your alcohol intake can significantly lower your cancer risk. Here are some practical tips:
- Participate in alcohol-free challenges, such as Dry January or Go Sober for October.
- Try alcohol-free alternatives, such as mocktails or low-ABV drinks.
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks.
- Have smaller servings or choose lower-strength options.
- Take several alcohol-free days each week.
Support is Available
If you’re concerned about your drinking or someone else’s, free and confidential help is available. Call Drinkline at 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am-8pm, weekends 11am-4pm).
To learn more about cutting down on alcohol, visit the NHS website for advice and resources.
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