Alcohol and Cancer
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Cutting down on alcohol intake has important benefits for your general health and well being.
The world cancer research fund advises to protect yourself against cancer, to not drink at all. Alcohol does not have any benefits to prevent against developing cancer. For more information, see Alcohol and cancer | World Cancer Research Fund
Men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week, and no more than 3-4 units per day. However, when considering cancer risk, some evidence suggests no more than 5 units a week. Current global health guidance indicates that there is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption for health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen, and the risk to health begins from the very first drop. They state that no amount of alcohol has been shown to be risk‑free.
Units are the way that the amount of pure alcohol in a drink is calculated. This is a general indication of units, but please note the number of units vary according to the strength of the alcohol in the drink.
1Unit = ½ pint
1Unit = small (125ml) glass of wine
1Unit = 25ml measure of spirit
The Drinkaware calculator can help you to calculate how much alcohol you drink.
Unit and Calorie Calculator | Drinkaware
Top tips to help you cut down on your alcohol intake
- Set a budget
- Let friends and family know that you are cutting down
- Cutting down with a friend can help you to stick to it
- Take it a day at a time
- Try and have drink free days each week
- Try having smaller drinks
- Try having lower strength drinks
- Stay hydrated
- Drinking in ‘rounds’ can lead you to drink more than you intend to, drink at your own pace.
- Pace yourself by having small sips
Resources
You can call IDAS Wandsworth for advice on accessing local drug and alcohol support
IDAS (integrated drug and alcohol services)
020 8875 4400
Easy read booklet
Alcohol and your health easy read | Macmillan Cancer Support