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 A drink to your health |
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Confused about alcohol and cancer risk? Read on to find out the facts.
With so many mixed messages out there relating to alcohol and our health, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.
But when it comes to alcohol and cancer risk, the evidence is pretty clear. Alcohol is closely linked to several common cancers , including those of the breast, mouth and throat, and oesophagus. Some research also links it to liver and bowel cancer.
So what does WCRF UK advise?
If consumed at all, we recommend that we limit alcoholic drinks to 2 for men and 1 for women a day. This is based on the findings of our Expert Report.
What is a ‘drink’?
As a rough guide, a drink is
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Did you know?
A glass of red wine is often haled as a way to keep our hearts healthy. But, while small amounts of alcohol can decrease the risk of heart disease, the benefits only outweigh the risks in those most at risk of the disease, such as men aged over 40 and postmenopausal women.
The risk of some alcohol-related cancers is even greater if you smoke. |
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half a pint of normal strength (3-5% ABV*) beer, lager or cider
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one 25ml measure of spirits (40% ABV*)
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one small 125ml glass of wine (12-13% ABV*)
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 Use this information as a guide – but bear in mind that drinks contain different amounts of alcohol depending on their size and strength.
Some drinks, like wine, have become a lot stronger in recent years and serving sizes in pubs and restaurants have also increased, so you could be drinking more than you realise.
Saving up our ‘alcohol allowance’ and drinking more at the weekend isn’t a good idea either. Research shows that binge drinking is particularly harmful to our health.
Topping up on calories
Drinking a lot of alcohol could be having an effect on your weight without you realising. Alcohol is quite high in calories, so cutting down could be a simple way to help maintain a healthy weight or even lose weight.
For example
A pint of ordinary strength beer or lager contains about 250 calories
A 125ml glass of 12% ABV wine contains about 85 calories
| Easy ways to cut back |
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When ordering drinks, opt for the smallest serving size. Avoid double measures of spirits, which are often encouraged as ‘better value’
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Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
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Dilute alcoholic drinks or opt for low-alchohol alternatives. For example, opt for a white wine spritzer rather than a full glass of white wine
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Wait until you’ve finished a drink before refilling your glass
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Aim to keep a few nights of each week alcohol free
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*ABV = Alcohol By Volume
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Copyright
WCRF UK, 19 Harley Street, London W1G 9QJ - Tel: 020 7343 4200 - Fax: 020 7343 4201 - wcrf@wcrf.org
Registered Charity No. 1000739 |
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