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You are here: RCP Programs/Services »   Preventive Oncology and Screening »   Cancer Prevention »   Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol Consumption
Limit Your Intake!
Alcohol consumption increases your risk for cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, colorectal (for men) and breast. There is further evidence to show a probable link with liver cancer and colorectal cancer in women.
Cancer Care Ontario recommends for cancer prevention to limit alcohol consumption to no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. The increased risk is based on amount of alcohol consumed, not the type: one drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of liquor.
Cancer Facts and Targets
In 2005 in North Eastern Ontario 34.7% of adult males and 16.3% of adult females were not following the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) low risk drinking guidelines.
 
The Cancer 2020 target is 98% will follow the low-risk drinking guidelines set out by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
What You Can Do
 
  • Follow Cancer Care Ontario’s recommendations for limiting alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink a day for women and 2 drinks a day for men for cancer prevention.
  • Know what a standard serving of alcohol is when following the guidelines.
  • If you don’t already drink, don’t start for health reasons.
  • Always have a glass of water along with your alcoholic drink.
  • Drink slowly; wait at least one hour between each drink and take alcohol with food.
  • Talk to your children about the risks of alcohol consumption.
 
For more information about alcohol, see Links and Resources.
 

 
Links and Resources
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