Cancer Research UK has issued a stark warning that drinking alcohol can cause seven types of cancer. The charity shared the alert on its social media channels, emphasizing that all alcoholic beverages increase cancer risk because the alcohol itself causes damage, even in small amounts.
Alcohol Causes Seven Types of Cancer
In an Instagram post, the charity stated: "Alcohol causes seven types of cancer. All types of alcoholic drink increase the risk of cancer, as it's the alcohol itself that causes damage - even in small amounts." The post also provided tips for reducing alcohol intake, such as keeping track of drinking habits, having drink-free days, swapping to non-alcoholic alternatives, not buying rounds of drinks, not stocking up at home, and being realistic and sticking to goals.
Health Benefits of Cutting Down
The charity added: "Cutting down on alcohol has lots of health benefits, and reduces your risk of cancer." According to Cancer Research UK's website, alcohol consumption can lead to breast cancer, bowel cancer, mouth cancer, liver cancer, and some types of throat cancer.
No Safe Level of Drinking
The charity noted that while some may claim alcohol is good for the heart, NHS guidance states the evidence for any health benefits is not clear. Research has shown there is no completely safe level of drinking, and cancer risk increases even with small amounts. The NHS website confirms that no level of drinking can be considered entirely 'safe'. It defines drinking less than 14 units a week as 'low-risk' rather than 'safe' because there is no safe drinking level.
Long-Term Health Risks
The NHS warns that regularly drinking more than 14 units a week for 10 to 20 years can lead to mouth cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer, stroke, heart disease, liver disease, brain damage, and damage to the nervous system. Additionally, high-risk drinking can worsen mental health, with strong links to self-harming and suicide.
Advice for Cutting Down
The NHS offers advice for reducing alcohol consumption, including making a plan, setting a budget, and informing others for support. Another tip is to swap strong beers or wines for lower-strength alternatives, checking the ABV percentage on the bottle.
