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Alcohol and smoking

Alcohol

Alcohol is linked to an increased risk of developing several types of cancer including bowel cancer. Alcohol can damage the cells that line the inside of the bowel, which makes it more likely for cancer to develop.

To reduce the risk of cancer, it’s best to not drink alcohol. 

If you do drink alcohol, cutting down the amount you drink will reduce your risk. It’s recommended that people drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week and spread it out over the week. Aim to have at least two days without alcohol each week. 

What is a unit of alcohol? 

  • A pint of ordinary strength beer, cider or lager = 2 units 
  • One standard glass of wine (175ml) = 2 units 
  • One measure of spirits (25ml) = 1 unit  

Smoking

Smoking increases your risk of developing several cancers, including bowel cancer. People who smoke are more likely to develop polyps (non-cancerous growths) in the bowel which could turn into cancer if they’re not treated.

If you want to give up smoking, you can get free one-to-one support from your local NHS Stop Smoking service.

Find out more at nhs.uk/livewell.

Download our Simple steps for good bowel health booklet

Updated August 2024

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