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'One drink a day increases a woman's risk of cancer'
Ellen Widdup25 Feb 2009
THE debate over safe levels of alcohol consumption was reignited today after research claimed a drink a day could increase a woman's cancer risk.
A study of a million British women found those who had one alcoholic drink a day were six per cent more likely to develop cancer by the time they were 75 than those who did not drink. Those who consumed two drinks a day, whether spirits, wine or beer, doubled their risk.
The research, carried out as part of the Million Women Study, suggested about 7,000 cases of cancer a year were caused by women having a small alcoholic drink daily. About 5,000 were breast cancer, and the rest cancers of the rectum, liver, mouth and throat.
Previous research has shown a daily tipple can be good for the heart and other studies have shown the benefits of drinks such as red wine.
The study's lead author, Dr Naomi Allen, said these mixed messages caused confusion over how much people should drink.
"The findings of this report show quite strongly that even low levels of drinking that were regarded to be safe do increase cancer risk," she said. "It is up to individual people to make their own decision. All of us to some extent have to weigh up the risks and take some responsibility for our health."
Professor Ian Gilmore, head of the Royal College of Physicians, said it was important drinkers made informed choices.
"There are many risks in life and this has to be offset against the positive health benefits of moderate drinking. It has to be put into context," he said. The college has campaigned for increased taxes on alcohol and better warnings about risks of heavy consumption, such as labelling bottles.
The statistics are likely to prompt discussion on whether the Department of Health needs to change its guidance for alcohol use. The Government recommends women should drink no more than two to three units a day and men no more than three to four units a day.
Reader views (5)
Seems to me the researcher has finally determined that no one gets out of death alive. We can't drink, can't eat, can't breathe without it being detrimental to our health. Regardless of all the money spent on research, the fact is that one does not die naturally in a healthy state.
- Frankie Frank, La Jolla, CA USA, 26/02/2009 06:38
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"Professor Ian Gilmore, head of the Royal College of Physicians, said it was important drinkers made informed choices." Arrgh!For years eggs, chocolate, coffee and wine were bad for me. In recent years eggs, dark chocolate, coffee, red wine and beer were all good in moderation. How can we make informed choices from contradictory information. Maybe they do not know the answer and skew the answers to suit their personal preferences!
- Michael, London, 25/02/2009 17:16
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If you wait a week, one drink a day will be good for you. The week after that, it'll be bad for you again.
- Neil M., london uk,, 25/02/2009 15:13
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How about everything in moderation?
- Isabel, Woking, 25/02/2009 13:55
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There are that many surveys out there I'm tempted to suggest "too many surveys a day can ruin your health". How many MILLIONS are being pumped into such subjective surveys? (remember whoever first suggested the two drinks/day guideline now admits the figure was a total guess)
- Marianne, SW France, 25/02/2009 13:24
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