DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines - Eat For Health

3.4.2.2 Cancer
There is increasing evidence of an association between alcohol consumption and heightened risk
of specific cancers. In general, the evidence suggests that different types of alcoholic drink have
similar effects [42]. The WCRF concludes that the number of cancers for which alcohol is a
known risk factor is increasing. It appears unlikely that there is a threshold of alcohol intake below
which there is no effect on cancer risk.
Breast cancer: There is evidence of a probable association between consumption of alcohol, even
at low levels (10 g/day), and an increased risk of breast cancer (Grade B, Section 16.4 in Evidence
Report [14]) [633-639].
Oesophageal cancer: There is evidence of a probable association between consumption of alcohol
and an increased risk of cancer of the oesophagus (Grade B, Section 16.6 in Evidence Report [14])
[42, 633].
Colon and rectal cancer: The evidence suggests that consumption of alcohol, even at low levels
(10 g/day), is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer and rectal cancer (Grade C, Section
16.5 in Evidence Report [14]) [42, 633, 640, 641].
Liver cancer: The evidence suggests that consumption of alcohol, even at low levels (10 g/day), is
associated with increased risk of liver cancer in some populations (Grade C, Section 16.9 in
Evidence Report [14]) [42, 633].
Oral cavity, pharynx and larynx: The evidence suggests that consumption of alcohol is associated
with an increased risk of cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx (Grade C, Section 16.7 in
Evidence Report [14]) [42, 633, 642].
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma: Evidence that the consumption of alcohol is associated with Non-
Hodgkins lymphoma is inconclusive (Section 16.11, Evidence Report [14]).
Other cancers: The evidence that consumption of alcohol is associated with renal, pancreatic and
ovarian cancer is inconclusive (Section 16.8, 16.10, 16.12 Evidence Report [14]).
3.4.2.3 Other conditions
Alcohol-related liver disease: As discussed in the previous dietary guidelines, there is continuing
evidence that excess alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of alcohol-related
liver disease (fatty liver, cirrhosis of the liver, alcohol hepatitis) [643]. The same level of average
consumption is related to a higher risk of liver cirrhosis in women than in men [644].
DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines- December 2011 96