Drink less alcohol

Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing some cancers, including cancer of the mouth and throat, oesophagus, bowel, stomach, liver and breast. Even drinking small amounts of alcohol can increase cancer risk, and the risk increases with every drink. Alcohol contains a lot of energy (kilojoules or calories), so it can contribute to weight gain. Drinking alcohol also increases the risk of other diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Cancer Council recommends you limit how much you drink to reduce your cancer risk. If you choose to drink alcohol, stick to the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines and have no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 standard drinks in one day. One standard drink has 10 grams of alcohol, but remember that drinks served at home and bars are often more than a standard drink.

Ways to reduce your alcohol intake

• Choose a non-alcoholic drink such as sparkling mineral water with fresh lemon or lime slices.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with a glass of water.
• Set yourself a limit and stop once you’ve reached it.
• Wait until your glass is empty before topping it up to keep count of your drinks.
• Explore no alcohol beers, wines, spirits and mocktails.
• Have some alcohol-free days each week.
• Eat while you drink to slow your drinking pace.
• Catch up with friends over coffee or go for a walk.
• Download the Drinks Meter or Daybreak apps to help monitor your drinking.

For information and support, call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.