This week as part of our Live Better Live Longer strand Dr Ciara Kelly looks at the rarely publicised link between alcohol and cancer – specifically breast cancer.
Like cigarettes alcohol is a group one carcinogen and – just like cigarettes – Ciara believes that both men and women should be warned of the risks involved so that they can make an informed choice.
It’s certainly the opinion of Deirdre Morrissey who wonders if partying in her younger days might have contributed to the breast cancer which struck her at the age of 36.
This is an important piece which impacts on all drinkers: both women and men, and something which the parents of younger women will be particularly interested in.
Alcohol Action Ireland are a group pushing for change and will provide more information on the harm caused by alcohol and who have plenty of facts relating to alcohol and cancer.
Ask About Alcohol, the HSE’s information site about alcohol, aim to “improve people’s knowledge about alcohol – how much we’re drinking, how it affects us healthwise, and how we can gain more by drinking less”.
They have lots of information and links designed to increase people’s knowledge about not only the links between alcohol and cancer and the other health risks associated with alcohol, but also ways in which we can develop healthier drinking habits.
