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European Code Against Cancer
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Questions & Answers

  • Tobacco
  • Second-hand smoke
  • Healthy body weight
  • Physical activity
  • Diet
  • Alcohol
  • Sun/UV exposure
  • Pollutants
  • Radiation
  • Breastfeeding
  • Hormonal therapy
  • Vaccination and infections
  • Screening
  • Others
  • Pharmaceutical drugs

Can I reduce my risk of cancer if I stop drinking alcohol?

Giving up or significantly cutting down on alcohol drinking will reduce your risk of cancer after several years, but may not completely eliminate it depending on your lifetime exposure. In addition, it will also reduce the other harms caused by alcohol consumption. But remember that smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol is the worse combination for health and to reduce your risk of cancer you should both quit smoking and stop drinking alcohol.
  • Is drinking alcohol a cause of cancer?
  • Apart from cancer, is alcohol consumption a cause of disease?
  • Do all types of alcoholic drinks increase the risk of cancer?
  • Why does drinking alcohol cause cancer?
  • What if I drink alcohol and smoke tobacco?
  • Can I reduce my risk of cancer if I stop drinking alcohol?
  • What is worse, episodic heavy drinking or moderate drinking every day?
  • Is drinking small amounts of alcohol good for my heart?
  • How much is a standard drink?
  • How much can I reduce my risk of cancer by limiting my alcohol intake?

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