According to the American Cancer Society over 550,000 people died from cancer in 2007. In that same year, anti-smoking campaigns and the increasing number of people who have quit smoking have been heralded as contributing to the decreasing number of people who have contracted and died from lung cancer. Unfortunately, there has been no such luck with decreasing alcohol consumption, despite its link to cancer.

Tests have shown that men who have more than 2 drinks a day and women who have more than 1 drink each day are at a higher risk for several different kinds of cancer. Alcoholics are at risk. Binge drinkers are at risk. If you are abusing alcohol in any way, you are likely to be at risk. There are some misconceptions like: men have stronger bodies and so they aren’t at risk or that women should only limit their drinking if they are pregnant or nursing; however, these ideas simply aren’t right. An increased risk in cancer is a common occurrence among both men and women who consume alcohol.

It is true that women who are pregnant or nursing have to beware of the side-effects alcohol can have on her child and shouldn’t drink. However, women should be concerned for their own health, as well. Research conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research show there is evidence of alcohol increasing the risk of breast cancer, in addition to other cancers.

Unfortunately even with all of the studies, research and evidence many people still aren’t changing their habits. Spreading the word that alcohol has been linked to cancer is very important. Who knows what might happen if more people would drink less or quit altogether? Maybe we would see another downswing as we did with people quitting smoking.

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