Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing upper digestive tract (mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus), liver and breast cancers.

It is not just heavy drinking that increases cancer risk. Even drinking small amounts of alcohol increases the risk of these cancers, and the more you drink, the greater the risk.
Cancer Council Tasmania recommends you limit or avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of cancer.
For people who do drink alcohol, the recommended amounts are:

• for men: an average of no more than 2 standard drinks a day 
• for women: an average of no more than 1 standard drink a day

What is a standard drink?
One standard drink is:

Tips for drinking less
 switch to light beer
 alternate alcoholic drinks with water or fruit-based drinks (see recipe ideas below)
 order half nips of spirits
 use water to quench thirst and sip alcoholic drinks slowly
 don't fill wine glasses to the top
 wait until your wine glass is empty before topping up to help keep count of your drinks
 enjoy wine spritzers (wine and soda or mineral water)
 have a few alcohol-free days during the week, especially if you are a regular drinker
 eating can slow your drinking pace and fill you up
 avoid salty snacks that make you thirsty so you drink more

Frequently Asked Questions 
Is it better to drink with meals or between meals? 
Some research shows that drinking in between meals is more risky than drinking at meal times. We do not know if this is because people drink less overall when they eat, or whether food dilutes the harmful effects of alcohol.

Try to avoid these harmful drinking patterns: 
 heavy drinking with little food intake 
 binge drinking and overdoing it 
 heavy/excessive drinking on the weekend and at parties

 What about smoking and drinking? 
The combined effect of smoking and drinking significantly increases cancer risk, especially cancers of the mouth, larynx, oesophagus and digestive tract. The combined harmful effects of smoking and alcohol are much greater than either of these alone.

 Is alcohol good for the heart? 
The risks and benefits of alcohol vary for different diseases. A small regular amount of alcohol, such as a glass of red wine (one standard drink = 100ml), may protect against heart disease. Stay within the recommended limits if you choose to drink. Other things you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease - not smoking, healthy eating and regular physical activity, also reduce cancer risk.

 Is alcohol fattening? 
Alcohol contains a lot of kilojoules (or calories) so you can easily gain weight. Being overweight is also a risk factor for some cancers.

 Can I drink more on social occasions? 
Drinking large amounts of alcohol at once is not recommended. It is better to drink small amounts regularly.

Non-alcoholic fruity drink recipes 
Berry Frappe 
300g of your favourite berries (strawberries, raspberries or a combination) 
500ml soda water or diet lemonade 
1 cup ice
Pulse all ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Serve in wine or cocktail glasses. Serves 4

 Fruit lovers punch 
1.25L mineral water 
1.25L diet ginger ale 
500 ml fruit juice of your choice 
375g crushed pineapple 
1 punnet of strawberries, cut into quarters 
pulp of 1 passionfruit 
1 handful of fresh mint leaves
A few oranges slices, cut in half, for added colour 
Mix all ingredients together in punch bowl. Add ice to chill. Serves 20