Rung 5 · Established
Drink less alcohol, or none
Raises risk of at least seven cancers; risk climbs with every drink.
PreventionYou can do this
What studies found
Alcohol is tied to cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat and voice box: about 100,000 U.S. cases and 20,000 deaths a year. For breast, mouth and throat cancer, risk may start rising at around one drink a day or less.
The catch
The type of drink doesn't matter. Wine is not protective.
What to do
Less is better and none is lowest risk.
Sources
Rung 5 of 5, Established: Large randomized trials or overwhelming, consistent human evidence; reflected in major guidelines. How we score
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the breast cancer and colorectal cancer pages.
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