'One drink a day increases a woman's risk of cancer'

THE debate over safe levels of alcohol consumption was reignited today after research claimed a drink a day could increase a woman's cancer risk.

A study of a million British women found those who had one alcoholic drink a day were six per cent more likely to develop cancer by the time they were 75 than those who did not drink. Those who consumed two drinks a day, whether spirits, wine or beer, doubled their risk.

The research, carried out as part of the Million Women Study, suggested about 7,000 cases of cancer a year were caused by women having a small alcoholic drink daily. About 5,000 were breast cancer, and the rest cancers of the rectum, liver, mouth and throat.

Previous research has shown a daily tipple can be good for the heart and other studies have shown the benefits of drinks such as red wine.

The study's lead author, Dr Naomi Allen, said these mixed messages caused confusion over how much people should drink.

"The findings of this report show quite strongly that even low levels of drinking that were regarded to be safe do increase cancer risk," she said. "It is up to individual people to make their own decision. All of us to some extent have to weigh up the risks and take some responsibility for our health."

Professor Ian Gilmore, head of the Royal College of Physicians, said it was important drinkers made informed choices.

"There are many risks in life and this has to be offset against the positive health benefits of moderate drinking. It has to be put into context," he said. The college has campaigned for increased taxes on alcohol and better warnings about risks of heavy consumption, such as labelling bottles.

The statistics are likely to prompt discussion on whether the Department of Health needs to change its guidance for alcohol use. The Government recommends women should drink no more than two to three units a day and men no more than three to four units a day.