Dangers of alcohol consumption

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 28 Apr 2013

We’re all familiar with the dangers associated with drink driving, and binge drinking.  But according to the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), a link to alcohol consumption can be shown in one in five cases of breast cancer, and one in 20 cases of other cancers.

The risk of cancer increases with every drink.  Yet a recent poll shows that more than half of Australians believe there is no relationship between alcohol and cancer, and many continue to drink at risky levels.

FARE Chief Executive Michael Thorn said there was now concrete evidence to support a claim that Australian drinking behaviours are likely to result in increased levels of chronic disease.

Equally worrying is the fact that the same survey found two in five Australian drinkers drink with the intention of getting drunk, and more than half of drinkers “preload” by drinking at home before going to a bar or pub.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.