Only one in two Londoners are aware that drinking alcohol increases their risk of cancer (56%), according to a new online poll commissioned by World Cancer Research Fund. From the total of 2,017 surveyed, 40% of respondents were 55 years or over. With the risk of cancer increasing as people age, the charity is highlighting that ‘those most at risk are among the least aware’.
Respondents from eleven different regions participated in the poll, with the highest number of adults aware of alcohol increasing their risk to cancer being from the North East (79%).
A higher number of younger (25-34 year old) people know alcohol is a cancer risk factor (67%) as opposed to 55% of those aged 55+. In order to reduce your cancer risk, WCRF recommends limiting the amount you drink or not drinking alcohol at all. The findings are part of a regular survey commissioned by the cancer prevention and survival charity to raise awareness of cancer prevention.
Other findings highlighted that 13% of respondents incorrectly think drinking coffee increases your risk of cancer, while 51% think stress is a factor. There is no evidence that stress increases a person’s likelihood of getting cancer.
Around 40% of cancer cases are preventable, which equates to approximately 147,000 cases a year in the UK[1]. After not smoking, eating a healthy diet, being a healthy weight and being physically active are the most important ways to reduce your risk of getting cancer. In fact, overweight or obesity increases the risk of 12 different types of cancer[2].
Of the 2,017 adults polled, 71% of men thought that inheriting cancer from a blood relative, such as a parent or grandparent, increases your risk, compared to 78% of women. While it is correct that genes are a risk factor, less than one in ten cancer cases are due to inherited genes[3]; although some cancers have a stronger genetic link than others.
To help raise awareness of the link between drinking alcohol and cancer risk, the charity is offering ten top tips for reducing your alcohol intake. These include opting for the smallest serving size, alternating every other alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic drink, such as water or an unsweetened drink, or diluting alcoholic drinks with a low-calorie mixer to help them last longer.
Rachael Gormley, Chief Executive of World Cancer Research Fund, said: “These new findings are really striking and go to show we still have a way to go before people are fully aware of the causes of cancer, and the steps we can all take to prevent it. As we all enjoy the summer season, why not give our tips for cutting back on alcohol a try?”
