Limit alcohol
Okay, so we all know we should eat less, exercise more, and give up bad habits like drinking too much and smoking. But what if you knew these changes could cut your cancer risk by more than one third? Get to know the magnificent 7 healthy habits to cut your cancer risk.
Limit alcohol
On 1 May we launched our new alcohol and cancer TV ad campaign – Stain and Spread. At the launch, the lovely Nina Tovey, 31, told her story about why she's cut back on alcohol. We thought we'd share it with you. Click here to read and watch the videos
Even moderate amounts of alcohol increase the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, breast and bowel. To reduce your risk of cancer, limit your intake of alcohol, or better still, avoid it altogether. If you do choose to drink alcohol, Cancer Council recommends limiting consumption to no more than two standard drinks per day and have at least one or two alcohol-free days every week.
One standard drink equals:
- 285 ml of beer (one glass of beer)
- 100 ml of wine (one small glass of wine)
- 30 ml of spirits (one measure of spirits)
Check out how many standard drinks are in your beverage of choice.
There is no evidence to suggest alcoholic drinks (such as red wine) protect against any type of cancer.
Tips:
- If you do choose to drink alcoholic drinks, limit to special occasions.
- Drink water rather than alcohol to quench your thirst.
- Dilute alcoholic drinks. For example, try a shandy (beer and lemonade), white wine and mineral water, or sprits and low-calorie soft drinks.
- Choose low-alcohol drinks.
Visit the Cancer Council Victoria website for more information on alcohol and cancer.