New research from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) reveals that only one in five men understands that drinking any amount of alcohol increases cancer risk. Alarmingly, some men mistakenly believe that tea, coffee, or bottled water pose cancer risks, while alcohol remains underestimated.
Experts note that men are generally less open to discussing their drinking habits compared to topics like sex or finances. Richard Cooke, a health psychology professor at the University of Staffordshire, explains that men often ignore health advice and feel social pressure to match their friends’ drinking, especially in middle age. This makes cutting back difficult once drinking habits are established.
Why Alcohol Causes Cancer
Alcohol contains ethanol, which the body breaks down into acetaldehyde — a toxin that damages DNA and can trigger cancerous mutations, explains Dr Helen Croker from the WCRF. Because of this, no level of alcohol consumption is deemed completely safe by health organisations.
Certain cancers are strongly linked to alcohol, including colorectal, mouth, throat, and liver cancers. In Britain, alcohol contributed to 4% of new cancer cases in 2020, with colorectal cancer being the second most common among men.
Health experts suggest men should consider avoiding alcohol altogether, as the risk of bowel cancer and other alcohol-related cancers rises with consumption. Dr Harriet Rumgay of the World Health Organization recommends men follow the same advice as women: avoid alcohol to minimise cancer risk.
How Much is Too Much?
Two pints or more daily: Men drinking two pints of beer or cider per day increase their colorectal cancer risk by 38%, and their risk of mouth or throat cancer nearly doubles. Liver cancer risk also rises significantly.
One pint daily: Drinking one pint daily raises colorectal cancer risk by 17% and mouth or throat cancer risk by 39%. The type of alcohol doesn’t reduce risk — even red wine’s potential health benefits don’t outweigh the harms.
Drinking mostly at weekends: Consuming eight pints over a weekend raises colorectal cancer risk by 20% and mouth or throat cancer risk by 46%. Lower weekend drinking (four pints) still increases risk of mouth or throat cancer by 21%.
Weekly Limits and Recommendations
The NHS recommends men consume no more than 14 units per week (equivalent to about five to seven pints). Staying within this limit keeps colorectal cancer risk closer to that of non-drinkers but still raises the risk of mouth and throat cancers by 24%.
Experts warn that many men underestimate their weekly alcohol intake, making it easy to exceed these guidelines unknowingly. Tracking consumption and choosing lower-strength or non-alcoholic drinks can reduce cancer risk.
Conclusion
Alcohol increases the risk of several common cancers, and even moderate drinking carries measurable risks. Men are encouraged to reflect on their habits, reduce intake where possible, and be aware that no amount of alcohol is truly risk-free.
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