The 2018 Global Drug Survey found that New Zealanders are lacking in knowledge in key areas of alcohol harm. Improving this knowledge could help some kiwis to make healthier choices about their alcohol consumption.

Are you one of the almost 1 in 3 New Zealanders that did not believe that alcohol causes cancer? Drinking less alcohol reduces your risk of seven different types of cancer (the  more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk you face). Even drinking at low levels increases the risks for some cancers.

Common cancers linked to drinking alcohol:

• Mouth
• Pharnyx (upper throat)
• Larynx (voice box)
• Oesophagus (food pipe)
• Breast (in women)
• Liver
• Bowel

The NZ Cancer Society reports that bowel cancer and breast cancer (in women) are two of the most common cancers in Aotearoa.

Links with other health risks

Drinking alcohol and smoking rather than just one or the other, increases your risk of developing cancer even more.

Drinking alcohol can contribute to increasing body weight. Being overweight or obese places you at higher risk for some kinds of cancers too (including breast and bowel).

What can you do?

Delay young peoples consumption of alcohol for as long as possible

Reduce how much, and how often you drink alcohol

Have at least 2 alcohol free days a week

Switch to low strength alcohol options (there is a big range available now)

Take part in more activities that don't involve alcohol

Consider what messages your children are receiving e.g.

• keep childrens events (school fairs, prize givings, etc) alcohol free
• minimise the amount of alcohol company branding in your home
• don't use alcohol as a reward e.g. after a long week
• allow children to see you choosing to have a non-alcoholic drink when alcohol is available

Useful links

Cancer Society of New Zealand

Cancer Research UK

www.alcohol.org.nz