A recent Japanese study found that even light to moderate drinking increases the risk of cancer. American Cancer Society published the findings recently in their peer-reviewed journal named “Cancer”. Researchers came to the conclusion after studying the data of 63.200 people who had cancer and 63200 people who did not have cancer. Even light drinking –drinking once per day for 10 years or having two drinks each day for five years –increase the overall risk for cancer by 5%.

Enormous body of evidence exists to prove drinking alcohol raises the risk of getting six kinds of cancer; Mouth and Throat; Voice box (larynx) ; Esophagus; Colon and Rectum; Liver; Breast (in women). Studies have shown that all types of alcoholic drinks, including red and white wine, beer, cocktails and liquor are linked to cancer. The more you drink, the higher your cancer risk.

Why does alcohol raise cancer risk?

When you drink alcohol, your body breaks it down into a chemical called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde damages your DNA and prevents your body from repairing the damage. DNA is the cell’s “instruction manual” that controls a cell’s normal growth and function. When DNA is damaged, a cell can begin growing out of control and create a cancer tumor.

Don’t drink at all if you—

Are under the legal drinking age.

Are pregnant or may be pregnant.

Have health problems that could be made worse by drinking.

Are doing things like driving that could be dangerous with alcohol.

It’s safest not to drink if you are on any medication, including cancer treatment. If you’re taking prescription medicine, ask your doctor if it’s safe before drinking alcohol.