Alcohol is a known risk factor for cancer. Heavy alcohol use can also cause short and long-term health problems such as cirrhosis of the liver, alcohol dependence, strokes, suicide, injury and car accidents.
There is no evidence from studies in human populations that any alcohol consumption provides protection against cancer. Alcohol is a significant risk factor for some cancers, particularly those of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, breast, colorectum and liver.
It is estimated that 5,070 cases of cancer (or 5% of all cancers) are attributable to long-term, chronic use of alcohol each year in Australia.
This position statement summarises the evidence that links alcohol consumption to cancer and explores the impact that alcohol consumption has on overall health and cancer occurrence.
Based on this evidence, Cancer Council recommends people limit or avoid drinking alcohol. For people who do drink alcohol, the National Health and Medical Research Council recommends no more than two standard drinks a day.