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Almost forty per cent of South Australian women who drink alcohol are putting themselves at an increased risk of cancer by drinking too much, said Cancer Council SA today.

Research from Cancer Council SA has also shown that less than half of South Australian females are aware that alcohol is an important risk factor for cancer.

With 38 per cent of women who drink alcohol consuming more than two drinks on each occasion many South Australian women are putting themselves at an increased risk of the disease.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends that women drink no more than two standard drinks on any day.

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver and breast cancers.

“Cancer Council SA research has shown that an alarming number of South Australian women are increasing their risk of developing cancer by drinking too much alcohol, which is very concerning” said Cancer Council SA Chief Executive, Professor Brenda Wilson.

Other key findings of the research include:

- Eight per cent of women who consume alcohol drink more than two drinks every single day

- Women’s understanding of the link between alcohol and cancer has increased by 16 per cent in the last four years (from 29 per cent in 2004 to 45 per cent in 2008)

- Women in lower income groups have a better understanding that alcohol causes cancer than their more affluent counterparts:

- 47 per cent of women in households earning under $40,000 a year who drink alcohol are aware that alcohol is an important risk factor for cancer

- 34 per cent of women in households earning above $100,000 a year who drink alcohol are aware that alcohol is an important risk factor for cancer

- Females who are 15 – 29 years old are the biggest drinkers with 65 per cent consuming more than two drinks on each occasion

The research comes as Breast Cancer Awareness month draws to a close, a time when Cancer Council SA encourages women to take action against breast cancer.

Based on current estimates, around 50 cases of breast cancer in SA each year, can be directly attributed to alcohol. Although alcohol is ‘socially acceptable’ it is a carcinogen, as is tobacco.

“To reduce the risk of cancer women need to lead a healthy lifestyle, which means exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and limiting alcohol consumption.”

“Women also need to become ‘breast aware’, get to know to the look and feel of their breasts and visit their GP with any concerns. It is recommended that all women over the age of 50 have a mammogram every two years to detect cancer early,” said Professor Wilson.

The annual Race 4 Life is being held on 1 November in Elder Park, with the funds raised from the event being used to reduce the impact of breast cancer.

“Cancer Council needs help from the community to educate women in ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer, like limiting alcohol consumption, to fund research into better methods of treatment and diagnosis for breast cancer and to support women with the disease.”

“Supporting the cause is as easy as registering to take part in the Race 4 Life. Participants can complete either a 4.5 km or a 10 km fun run or walk along the beautiful River Torrens.

Register for Race 4 Life with the South Australian Road Runners Club by calling 8232 7644. Or, register from 7 am at the registration desk on the morning of the event.