New Govt Campaign On Cancer Risk From Booze

Drinking just a little bit more alcohol than the daily recommended amount could treble your risk of developing mouth cancer, according to a new Government campaign.

Change4Life aims to get the message across by using adverts urging people to cut down on their consumption.

The project says two large glasses of wine or two strong pints of beer a day means you are three times more likely to develop mouth cancer.

People will be able to use an online calculator to work out how much they're drinking, but campaigners want drinkers to use smaller glasses or switch to alcohol-free drinks.

NHS recommendations are that men should not regularly drink more than three to four units a day, while women should not regularly drink more than two to three.

Two million leaflets will also be made available to Change4Life supporters and health professionals across England.

Drinkers will also be encouraged to cut down through measures such as having alcohol-free days and not drinking at home before going out.

The campaign follows a survey of more than 2,000 people which found 85% do not realise that drinking over recommended limits increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

Some 65% were unaware it increases the risk of bowel cancer, 63% did not know about a raised risk of pancreatitis and 59% did not realise excess drinking increases the risk of mouth, throat and neck cancer.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: "It's crucial we support people to know about how drinking too much poses risks to their health and how they can take control of their drinking.

"It can be easy to slip into the habit of having a few extra drinks each day, especially when drinking at home. But there can be serious health risks. Don't let drinking sneak up on you.

"Change4Life is a fantastic, well-known campaign that has already helped a million families around the country. I want to expand it beyond eating well and moving more, so people look after themselves and really do live longer."

The issue of how to tackle alcohol abuse has proved controversial for the Government.

Last year, six major health organisations refused to back the public health responsibility deal, saying the Government was allowing the drinks industry to dictate health policy.