It’s not just heavy drinkers at risk from alcohol
It’s not just heavy drinkers at risk – new research has found that the risks of alcohol quickly mount up for cancer, heart disease, and premature death
What many people consider ‘moderate’ drinking is linked to an increased risk of death, disability, and chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease, according to a major new international study.
The research, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, analysed lifetime drinking patterns and long-term health outcomes. The findings from the US study show that intakes that some people think are ‘moderate’ are linked with a significantly higher risk of a premature death caused by alcohol.
The study also found no clear protective benefits from alcohol, even from low levels of drinking.
In the UK, Chief Medical Officer Guidelines state that drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week and having several drink free days to keep risks low – but that does not mean ‘no risk’.
Balance is sharing the findings for Cancer Prevention Action Week (15-21 June) to warn that many of the myths around alcohol are hiding the health risks. Balance has also launched the Alcohol is Toxic campaign in the North East to raise awareness that alcohol causes seven types of cancer, including cancers of the bowel and breast.
Susan Taylor, Head of Alcohol Policy for Fresh and Balance, said: “These findings challenge some of the myths around alcohol and are massively relevant to regions like ours which have seen high rates of alcohol harm and alcohol deaths. The fact is that a lot of people drinking above the guidelines consider themselves to be “moderate” or ‘responsible’ drinkers, but it is hard to keep track of alcohol units – especially home-poured measures. That means that a couple of regular drinks each night can increase the health risks significantly over time.
“It also casts further doubt on the idea of alcohol being protective at low levels which is not supported by the latest evidence. Any potential small benefits once associated with light drinking are outweighed by increased risks of cancer and other chronic diseases.”
She added: “People have a right to know the risks of alcohol as a cause of cancer. We need more awareness and reliable health information on alcohol labels which is currently not being offered by the alcohol industry.”
Dr James Crosbie, a GP, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Clinical Lead for Alcohol North East & North Cumbria NHS, said: “It is not always easy to understand how alcohol causes cancer compared to a cigarette. But whether it’s red wine, beer or spirits, our liver converts alcohol into acetaldehyde – a chemical which can damage our DNA. (2)
“Alcohol is one risk factor for cancer that we can change, control, and do something positive about. Reducing alcohol consumption, even from low levels, is likely to reduce long-term health risks.”
Elaine Green, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at World Cancer Research Fund, said: “There is still far too much misinformation about alcohol and cancer risk, including the misconception that low or moderate drinking is harmless. The evidence is clear: when it comes to cancer, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, and alcohol increases the risk of seven types of cancer, including breast and bowel.
“People have a right to clear, accessible information about these risks, but current regulation is failing to provide it. At the moment, there is more legally required information on a bottle of water than there is on a bottle of alcohol, despite the serious harm alcohol can cause. That is why stronger alcohol labelling requirements are so important, and why Balance’s work to challenge alcohol misinformation and improve public awareness is so valuable.”