Alcohol and cancer, know the risks.

Why alcohol matters in the fight against cancer – especially for women

We know alcohol is everywhere, woven into our social lives, used to relax, to celebrate, and sometimes just to cope. But what if that seemingly harmless glass of wine was quietly increasing our risk of something as serious as cancer?

Alcohol is a confirmed carcinogen

Let’s start with the facts: alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. That puts it in the same risk category as tobacco and asbestos. Yes, asbestos!! This means we have conclusive evidence that alcohol causes cancer.

Alcohol is linked to seven types of cancer, including breast cancer

In the UK, alcohol is known to increase the risk of:

• Mouth and throat cancer

• Oesophageal cancer

• Liver cancer

• Bowel cancer

• Breast cancer
  

Of all of these, breast cancer is the most common in women, and one of the most strongly linked to alcohol, even in small amounts.

UK women and breast cancer - the overlooked connection

Here in the UK, around 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Of those, around 5,000 cases are directly linked to alcohol. That’s roughly 1 in 10 cases.

Yet, studies show that less than 20% of women are even aware of the link. That’s heart breaking, because this is something we can influence.

You deserve to have the full picture so you can protect yourself and make choices from a place of empowerment, not fear.

No safe threshold and how the risk really adds up

Here’s the truth: there’s no completely safe level of alcohol when it comes to cancer. The more you drink, even small, daily amounts, the higher the risk becomes, especially for breast cancer.

What does a “unit” of alcohol mean?

Let’s keep it simple:

• 1 unit = half a pint of beer or cider, or a single 25ml measure of spirit

• 2 units = one standard 175ml glass of wine (12%)

• 3 units = a large 250ml glass of wine

• 6 units = two large glasses of wine
  

What’s the actual risk? For every additional 2 units per day, your risk of breast cancer increases by around 7–8% compared to someone who doesn’t drink.

Here’s how that looks in real life:

Alcohol Amount	Example	Estimated Breast Cancer Risk Increase
2 units/day	1 glass of wine (175ml)	+7–8%
3 units/day	1 large glass of wine (250ml)	~10–12%
6 units/day	2 large glasses of wine (500ml)	~20–25%

These are relative risk increases. So if your baseline lifetime risk is 1 in 8, drinking 2 glasses of wine a night might shift that to something closer to 1 in 6 or 7.

It’s not just about "heavy drinking." Regular, moderate drinking, what many people would consider totally normal, still increases the risk significantly over time. Yes, even the government guidelines.

How alcohol affects the body - especially for women

Alcohol breaks down into a toxic substance called acetaldehyde, which can damage DNA and stop our cells repairing properly. It also increases oestrogen levels, which is one of the main hormones involved in breast cancer.

This is especially important for women, since many breast cancers are oestrogen-sensitive. Alcohol also affects our immune system, nutrient absorption, and can contribute to weight gain, all of which play a role in cancer risk too.

Why don’t more women know this?

That’s the big question, isn’t it?

The reality is, we’ve been sold the idea that a glass of wine is "me time," or that it’s somehow essential for relaxation, connection, or coping with stress. But what hasn’t been sold is the truth about the risks, especially when it comes to breast cancer.

Public health campaigns are still catching up, and until then, it’s up to us to spread the message with compassion and care.

The good news: your risk can go down

Here’s the empowering bit: the less you drink, the lower your risk. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, around 25% of breast cancer cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol, eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active. Imagine if you didn't take the risk and cut out drinking altogether? After all, what's the point in the occasional drink?

What this means for you

This isn’t about judgement. It’s not about shame. It’s about giving you the knowledge you deserve so you can make choices that serve your long-term wellbeing.

Your health is worth protecting. Your future self will thank you for every drink-free day you have today.

You’re not “boring” or “overthinking it” if you decide alcohol isn’t for you. You’re being wise, brave, and intentional. And if you’re already on the sober path or just starting to explore it, know that you’re not alone.

Your body is the only one you have. Keep it safe and healthy today for a long healthy life in the future.