Alcohol is known to contribute to nine different types of cancer and is linked to 7,000 cancer diagnoses a year in Canada. Here are some tips to cut down on your drinking to reduce your risk.
- Schedule alcohol-free days each week (Sunday to Thursday works well for a lot of people) and reward yourself with a favourite treat for sticking to it.
- Set a weekly limit for yourself (remember, 1-2 drinks is considered low risk, 3-6 moderate, and 7+ high) and use a drink tracking app, or a notepad or calendar to keep track of how much you drink so you can stop when you reach your limit.
- Explore the world of low- or non-alcoholic beverages. An online search for “non-alcoholic drinks” or “mocktails,” will get you started. Sparkling waters with a slice of lemon or lime, craft sodas or kombuchas can help make your non-alcoholic drink still feel satisfying and special.
- When you go out, alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks so you’re consuming half of what you normally would.
- Eat and drink water before and while you’re consuming alcohol. This will help you feel full, and you’ll drink less alcohol.
- Tell your friends and family about your plan to cut down on your drinking and let them know why. They may not be aware that alcohol consumption is linked to cancer, and you can plan alcohol-free activities together!
Source: BC Cancer, Reduce Your Risk | The Proof
