Excess alcohol intake can cause 7 types of cancer

Consumption of excess alcohol can give rise to 7 types of cancer.

Individuals consuming even low to moderate amounts are at risk, says a review.

Jennie Connor from the Otago University in New Zealand said, ‘There is strong evidence that alcohol causes cancer at seven sites in the body and probably others.’

‘Even without complete knowledge of biological mechanisms, the epidemiological evidence can support the judgement that alcohol causes cancer of the oropharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum and breast,” Connor added.

Cancers attributable to alcohol at these sites make up 5.8 per cent of all cancer deaths world-wide, said the paper published in the journal Addiction.

The current evidence that moderate drinking provides protection against cardiovascular disease is not strong, the study said.

The evidence is based on comprehensive reviews undertaken for the last 10 years.