When it comes to cancer risk, there is no safe level of drinking. You can reduce your cancer risk by drinking less alcohol.
Know the benefits
Reducing or quitting alcohol has immediate and long-term benefits for your health and wellbeing.
In the short term, it can help you:
- Save money
- Improve your mood and sleep
- Improve your relationships with your loved ones
- Find more time to do other things you enjoy
- Perform better at work
- Improve your fitness
In the long term, you’ll also lower your risk of serious health issues like some cancers, heart attack, stroke, and liver disease.
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, any amount of alcohol can interrupt the organ and brain development of an unborn baby and have lifelong impacts. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, not drinking alcohol is the safest option.
If you drink regularly or at levels above the guidelines, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before reducing or quitting alcohol. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous on your own.
Your doctor can:
- Provide advice tailored to your health
- Connect you with support services
- Monitor your progress through regular check-ups
- Help you manage withdrawal symptoms and create a safe withdrawal plan
Talking about your alcohol use can be difficult, but your doctor is there to support you. If you don’t have a doctor who you feel you can talk to about your alcohol use, find a support service by calling the Alcohol and Other Drugs Information Service (ADIS) service on 1800 250 015.
The NSW Ministry of Health has more information on services available in NSW.
