The more alcohol someone drinks, the more their cancer risk increases. 8 But even quite small amounts of alcohol, around 1 drink a day, can increase cancer risk. 9, 10, 33, 34 Expert reports have concluded that there is no lower limit of alcohol drinking where cancer risk isn't increased. 3, 4
Drinking small amounts of alcohol can offer some protection for people who are at risk of heart disease, which normally applies to people over the age of 40. 35 A review published in 2011 of 84 studies found that although drinking up to 15g of alcohol a day (about 2 units) reduced the risk of dying from heart disease and stroke, the benefits quickly start to disappear as drinking levels increase. 36 A study has calculated that the best balance between benefits and harms is for people who drink less than 1 unit a day. (1 unit is de helft van een klein of een derde van een groot glas)
