Consuming one drink a day increases cancer risk

Women who consume as little as one drink every day are at a higher risk of alcohol-related cancers, according to a new study.

Even drinking habits considered to be “safe” put imbibers at risk

The study, which was published by the British Medical Journal, revealed that “light or moderate” drinking habits – defined as a daily intake of 5-14.9g of pure alcohol for women, and 5-29.9g for men, inside the UK’s recommended guidelines – are associated with an increased risk of alcohol-related cancers.

Scientists analysed data from two large cohort studies in the United States and found that even drinking habits considered “safe” put imbibers at risk.

Women who consume at least one alcoholic drink every day are 13% more likely to be diagnosed with cancers that have an established link to alcohol consumption, the study found. This includes cancer of the colorectum, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, liver, and oesophagus, and in particular, breast cancer.

Overall, women have a 4% increased chance of being diagnosed with cancer of any type, scientists said.

Men with “light or moderate” drinking habits were also at higher risk of alcohol-related cancers, but only if they had also smoked at some point – men who drank within the guidelines but had never smoked were “no more likely to get cancer than a teetotaller”.

A statement in the study’s summary read: “People with a family history of cancer, especially women with a family history of breast cancer, should consider reducing their alcohol intake to below recommended limits, or even abstaining altogether, given the now well-established link between moderate drinking and alcohol related cancers.”

Earlier this month, research revealed current alcohol intake guidelines are a “poor fit” with the UK’s binge drinking habits.