Binge drinking women more at risk of breast cancer

A Department of Health report has found middle-aged women who drink more than the guideline amount are more at risk to diseases such as breast cancer.

The study found that women who drank more than 14 units of alcohol a week were 50 per cent more likely to contract breast cancer and were more at risk to liver disease, unplanned pregnancies and ruptured bladders.

In response to the report’s findings, the government plans to launch a £10 million campaign informing people about how to judge when they are drinking too much as well as the dangers of binge drinking.

Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said: “Women who regularly drink too much are 50 per cent more likely to develop breast cancer. And many drink too much simply because they have no idea how many alcohol units they are consuming.”

The government says the availability of stronger wines with an alcohol content of up to 13 per cent and larger glasses make it difficult to judge how many units are consumed. Ms Primarolo stated that many women were unaware that a large glass of wine could constitute as much as 3.5 units.

Speaking about the focus of the campaign, she added that working women who could drink without being disruptive were not seen as susceptible to breast cancer.

The chancellor recently announced a further tax on alcohol in order to put an end to binge drinking. Duty on a pint of beer has been raised by 4p, cider by 3p a litre, wine by 14p a bottle and spirits by 55p a bottle.