London, ON - What was in your glass when you toasted in the New Year matters more than you may think. That’s because when it comes to alcohol, the more you drink, the higher the risk of cancer. The Middlesex-London Health Unit, in partnership with other health units across the region is launching the next phase of the Rethink Your Drinking campaign, this time with an emphasis on the links between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing cancer.
According to estimates from Cancer Care Ontario, up to 3,000 cancer cases across the province in 2010 could be attributed to alcohol. Reducing your alcohol intake can lower the risk of colorectal, breast and liver cancer as well as cancers of the head and neck.
“We’re asking adults in London and Middlesex County to rethink their drinking as a first step in reducing their risk of cancer and living healthier lifestyles,” says Jayne Scarterfield, Public Health Nurse at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “This is especially important for people who have a strong family history of cancer.”
Research suggests that only one third of Canadians are aware that they can lower their risk of cancer by consuming less alcohol. Given that the majority of adults in Ontario drink alcohol, it’s important to note that, when it comes to an individual’s risk of cancer, there is no “safe” amount of alcohol. Put simply, when you consume less alcohol, you reduce your risk of cancer.
The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that people who are looking to reduce their cancer risk limit their alcohol consumption to less than one drink a day for women and less than two drinks a day for men. Women who drink even small amounts of alcohol can be at higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is because alcohol increases the production of estrogen, which can lead to breast cell mutation. The goal of the Rethink Your Drinking campaign is to encourage people to set small, personal goals in an effort to reduce the amount of alcohol they consume.
The Rethink Your Drinking campaign is a regional effort designed to help change perceptions about alcohol use. For more information, visit www.rethinkyourdrinking.ca or call 519-663-5317, extension 2246.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 extension 2469 or 519-617-0570
Spokesperson:
Jayne Scarterfield, Public Health Nurse