Study Shows Beer and Wine Increase Risk of Cancer

Although numerous other studies have shown that both wine (be it red or white) and beer are beneficial for one’s health if consumed moderately, a new finding of the World Cancer Research Fund reveals that two units of alcohol “increase the risk of bowel cancer by 18 per cent and liver cancer by 20 per cent,” the Daily Mail reports. To get out of what might seem like a rather tricky situation, doctors advise we cut alcohol intake down to zero, and thus stay on the safe side.

This new research was based on data submitted to the WCRF last year, which also included details on processed meat, like ham and bacon, and its effects in terms of leading to bowel cancer. The conclusion of two units of alcohol being potentially dangerous for one's health come to refer to a daily intake of a pint of beer, a glass of wine, or a double measure of vodka or gin. The doctors' opinion, of advising drinkers to cut down on it, is, this way, completely justifiable.

Previous studies have shown that the overall risk during a lifetime to develop bowel cancer is one in 20 for men, and one in 18 for women. When alcohol is added in the equation, this percentage shifts to one in 16 for men, and one in 14.5 for women.

The main cause for this is believed to be the fact that alcohol can cause DNA damage, which, in turn, can lead to cancer. Because of this, in the UK, government advisories have it that “Men should not regularly drink more than three to four units of alcohol per day, and women should not regularly drink more than two to three units.” as the Mail reports.

Speaking about the importance of getting public awareness on the issue, Dr Rachel Thompson from the WCRF told the Mail that, “When you consider how many cases of these types of cancer are diagnosed in the UK every year, it is clear that drinking even relatively small amounts of alcohol can make a significant difference. Yet, despite strong evidence, most people still do not know that alcohol increases risk of cancer, so it is clear we need to do more to get this message across.”