NSW Health’s new calculator highlights link between alcohol consumption and eight cancers
An Australian-first digital tool launched by the NSW Government is helping people better understand how drinking habits can increase their risk of developing cancer.
The Alcohol and Cancer Risk tool, developed by Cancer Institute NSW with research by the Daffodil Centre, a partnership between the University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW, lets users calculate their lifetime cancer risk based on their age, gender and alcohol consumption.
By showing how cancer risk increases with every drink, the tool aims to encourage people to make more informed choices about their health.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.It highlights the proven link between alcohol and eight types of cancer, including those affecting the liver, bowel, mouth, throat, larynx, oesophagus, neck and female breast.
Ethanol, the main ingredient in alcohol, is a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it’s known to cause cancer in humans.
When broken down by the body, it turns into a toxic chemical that can damage DNA and trigger cancer growth.
Research shows there’s no safe level of drinking when it comes to cancer risk.
Among adults over 45, the chance of developing an alcohol-related cancer increases by about 10 per cent for every seven standard drinks consumed per week.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the new resource would give people a clearer picture of how even moderate drinking could impact their health.
“This important tool, which was pioneered right here in NSW, will make sure people have access to the information they need to make healthier choices,” Mr Park said.
He said one in three adults in NSW drink more than the recommended guidelines, despite clear evidence that alcohol is a cancer-causing substance.
“We need more people to understand the dangers of drinking alcohol, including its proven link to cancer.”
The tool, which takes just minutes to complete, is designed primarily for people aged over 40, when the long-term effects of alcohol begin to compound.
Mr Park said the launch of the tool marked an important step in improving public health outcomes.
“This Australian-first tool will help educate people about the risk of drinking alcohol so they can make more informed decisions about their health and improve their long-term quality of life,” he said.
The Cancer Institute NSW encourages anyone worried about their drinking habits to speak with their GP or contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service for 24-hour support on 1800 250 015.
The Alcohol and Cancer Risk tool is available via the Cancer Institute NSW website.
Originally published as NSW Health’s new calculator highlights link between alcohol consumption and eight cancers
