Limit Your Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is another substance known to increase your risk of developing cancer, including cancer of the:

  • Breast
  • Colon
  • Rectum
  • Esophagus
  • Larynx
  • Liver
  • Mouth
  • Pharynx

The more frequently someone drinks alcohol, the greater his or her chance of developing cancer.

Heavy drinking is defined as the consumption of five or more drinks in a single sitting at least once a month for the past 12 months.

To lower your risk of cancer, it is recommended to limit your alcohol consumption to:

  • Less than 1 drink for non-pregnant women
  • Less than 2 drinks a day for men
  • Any type of alcohol — beer, wine or spirits, can increase your likelihood of developing cancer. The less you drink the greater chance you have at reducing your risk of cancer.

Alcohol or drug issues? Call the NWT Help Line at 1-800-661-0844.

For practical tips on how to cut back drinking alcohol, see:

  • Alcohol (Canadian Cancer Society) 

For information about cancer and alcohol, see: