Alcohol and Cancer - The Stray FM Health and Wellbeing Show

Yorkshire Cancer Research is encouraging people to consider reducing their alcohol intake as cancer rates in the area are closely linked to drink. 

3% of all cancers are caused by alcohol

This equates to 1,000 new cancer cases in Yorkshire every year. 

Rates of alcohol related cancer are higher than the national average across many areas of Yorkshire, particularly in men.

And Yorkshire Cancer Research are encouraging people to think twice about the amount of alcohol they consume particularly around the Christmas party season. 

Can alcohol give you cancer?

The short answer is yes, it can. 

Whilst it may take at least 10-15 years for health issues, such as cancer, to become apparent, it is clear that alcohol can be the cause of many forms of cancer. 

Seven different forms of cancer including liver, breast, mouth, and throat, have been directly linked to alcohol consumption. 

How can I reduce my alcohol intake?

The recommended government guidelines advise both men and women should consume less than 14 units of alcohol per week to ensure low health risks. 

Yorkshire Cancer Research want to make reducing the amount of alcohol you drink as easy as possible with a few tips. 

• Have more alcohol free days in the week
• Set a drink limit on days when alcohol is consumed
• Set a spending limit on drinks and stick to it
• Have a low sugar soft drink or water between alcoholic drinks
• Try low-alcohol or non-alcohol alternatives
• Have smaller measures – for example choosing a small wine instead of a large one
• Getting moral support from friends and family

And it's not only the risk of alcohol related cancer you'll be reducing, it's also good if you're looking to reduce your calorie intake.

Beth Parsons from Stray FM's Health and Wellbeing Show talked to Leah Holtam from Yorkshire Cancer Research and Linda Harris from North Yorkshire Horizons about the impact alcohol can have on cancer rates: