Many of us enjoy an alcoholic beverage – a cold beer, a glass of wine, a celebratory cocktail. But the scientific consensus on alcohol consumption is becoming increasingly clear: even moderate drinking poses significant health risks, particularly concerning cancer. The message is simple: less alcohol is better, and for some, complete abstinence is the safest choice.
The Evolving Understanding of Alcohol's Risks
Ongoing research consistently highlights the dangers of alcohol, even at seemingly low levels. Current guidelines emphasize reducing intake as much as possible, and recommend that those who don't drink shouldn't start.
Defining ‘Moderate’ and ‘Excessive’
According to dietary guidelines, moderate drinking is defined as one drink or less per day for women and two drinks or less per day for men. Binge drinking, a serious concern, is consuming four or more drinks within two hours for women, and five or more for men. Heavy drinking is defined as four or more drinks on any day or eight or more per week for women, and five or more drinks on any day or fifteen or more per week for men.
Beyond the Usual Suspects: Alcohol and Cancer
Beyond the well-known risks of liver disease, heart disease, mental health issues, and accidents, alcohol is a potent carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen – the highest risk category, indicating definitive evidence that it causes cancer in humans.
Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including mouth and throat, oesophagus, liver, breast (in women), and colorectal. The risk escalates with increased alcohol consumption.
No Safe Level of Consumption
The WHO has definitively stated that no level of alcohol consumption is entirely safe for your health. Understanding the strong link between alcohol and cancer is crucial for making informed decisions about your health. By being aware of the risks, you can take steps to protect yourself.
