Men unaware of link between alcohol and cancer
TUESDAY 12 AUGUST 2008
The message that drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancer is not getting through to the majority of men, an international charity has warned.
Women are now more aware than ever about the risks of alcohol, with the percentage of British women who recognise alcohol as a cause of cancer increasing from 35 per cent to 42 per cent over the last 12 months.
However, the proportion of British men who are aware of the link has not risen from 36 per cent during the past year, according to a survey performed by YouGov on behalf of the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).
The fact that men are no more aware about alcohol and cancer than they were a year ago is really worrying. The scientific evidence is stronger than ever before but it seems that the message is just not getting through.
- Lisa Cooney, head of education, WCRF
WCRF says that more needs to be done to alert men to the fact that drinking increases the risk of certain cancers, including breast, bowel, kidney, mouth and oesophageal cancers.
Lisa Cooney, the charity's head of education, commented: "It is good news that women are increasingly aware that drinking alcohol increases your risk of cancer.
"But the fact that men are no more aware about alcohol and cancer than they were a year ago is really worrying. The scientific evidence is stronger than ever before but it seems that the message is just not getting through."
Ms Cooney said that this is concerning as people need to know the facts in order to make an informed choice about their drinking habits.
The WCRF recommends that men limit their alcohol consumption to two drinks a day, and that women have just one daily alcoholic beverage.
Cancer Research UK welcomed the research, and point out that they have developed an online alcohol tracker to help people keep track of their drinking habits.
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