Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to seven forms of cancer, and individuals consuming even low to moderate amounts are at risk, says a review.
"There is strong evidence that alcohol causes cancer at seven sites in the body and probably others," said Jennie Connor from the Otago University in New Zealand.
"Even without complete knowledge of biological mechanisms, the epidemiological evidence can support the judgement that alcohol causes cancer of the oropharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum and breast," Connor added.
Alcohol-attributable cancers at these sites make up 5.8 per cent of all cancer deaths world-wide, said the paper published in the journal Addiction.
The current evidence that moderate drinking provides protection against cardiovascular disease is not strong, the study said.
The evidence is based on comprehensive reviews undertaken for the last 10 years.
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