Welcome to Can We’s conversation on alcohol and cancer risk
In our LGBTQ+ communities, enjoying a few drinks often feels like a natural part of the scene. Alcohol can seem woven into the very fabric of our rainbow communities.
But here’s the thing – sometimes, we might be sipping more than we realise. LGBTQ+ people tend to drink more alcohol than the rest of the population, putting us at greater risk of alcohol-related cancers and other health issues. Drinking within the alcohol guidelines can limit your risk of developing alcohol-related cancer to approximately 3%. The lower your level of drinking, the lower your risk.
Be Unapologetic is a health promotion campaign by ACON’s Can We project. It focuses on what it means to live unapologetically—featuring LGBTQ+ community members Benjamin Law, Kelly Lovemonster, Kirsty Webeck, and Rudy Jean Rigg, in their unapologetic style, talking about making bold choices to lower alcohol consumption. These messages are about being comfortable in your skin, making healthy choices, and celebrating authenticity.
Be Unapologetic With Benjamin Law
Be Unapologetic With Kirsty Webeck
Be Unapologetic with Kelly Lovemonster
Be Unapologetic with Rudy Jean Rigg
Lowering Your Cancer Risk
Most LGBTQ+ people don’t know that alcohol causes cancer.[9]
Alcohol contains ethanol, which is a cancer-causing compound (a Group 1 carcinogen). When broken down by the body, ethanol becomes a toxic chemical, which can damage the DNA of your cells, causing cancer.
It does not matter the amount or the type of alcohol you consume; your risk of getting cancer increases with every drink.[10] Yep, too much booze increases the chances of 8 different cancers:
- Mouth and upper throat, larynx (voice box), and oesophagus (food pipe) cancers.
- Breast/chest cancer.
- Stomach, liver and bowel
The more you drink, the greater the risk.[11],[12] There is no level of drinking that is entirely cancer risk-free.
Smoking and drinking together – and the number of drinks you have – also increases your risk of developing cancer. Tobacco and alcohol together are worse for you than either on its own.
But drinking within the alcohol guidelines can limit your risk of developing an alcohol-related cancer to approximately 3%. The less you drink, the lower your risk.[13]
Image: Kelly Lovemonster
Other Reasons To Think About Cutting Back On Alcohol Consumption?
There are plenty of good reasons to cut back on alcohol, some you might know, and others could surprise you. Here’s why you might consider drinking less:
Avoiding Accidents and Violence
Drinking in excess can lead to some serious issues, like:
- Arguments or fights that get out of hand.[14]
- Experiencing violence or even assault.[15]
- Having sex you regret, like unsafe sex or an awkward one-night stand.[16]
- Accidents from things like drink driving, falling or drowning.[17],[18]
Avoiding harm to Your Health
Too much alcohol can bring on serious health problems:
- Messing up your liver and digestion.
- Causing heart problems and high blood pressure.[19]
- Messing with your mental health, causing anxiety and depression.[20]
- Making you forget things and increase your risk of dementia.
- Becoming dependent on alcohol/ developing an alcohol dependency.[21],[22]
- Increasing your risk of cancer.[23]
Feeling Better Overall
Cutting down on alcohol can help you feel better in many ways:
- Less nasty hangovers or headaches.
- Sleeping better at night.
- Having more energy for fun stuff.
- Being more focused for work or studies.
- Keeping your immune system strong.
- Achieving your fitness and nutrition goals.
Looking Good
Alcohol isn’t known for its beauty benefits – but drinking less can help you:
- Get rid of redness or flushing.
- Make your skin glow from the inside.
- Reduce bloating / inflammation.
- Focus on healthy habits.
Save Some Bucks
Booze costs money – think about what you could do with that cash!
Image: Kirsty Webeck
Tips To Cut Down On Alcohol
Practical Ideas For Drinking Less:
- Ask a trusted friend to help you stay accountable – think the opposite of a drinking buddy.
- Keep track of your drinks- you might be surprised!
- Download a drink-tracker app to help you.
- Have a few booze-free days each week.
- Reflect on where you want to be with your relationship with alcohol.
- Set goals that feel realistic and actionable.
- Try drinks with less or no alcohol. There are plenty of good alcohol-free beer and spirits at pubs these days!
- Mix up your routine. Catch up with friends for a walk instead of at a pub.
- Be mindful about situations that make you want to drink.
- Build a support network.
Other strategies for cutting down on alcohol consumption:
- If you don’t drink now, think about staying that way.
- If you do, keep it to less than 10 drinks a week, 4 drinks a day.
- Fit in at least 2 alcohol-free days every week.
- Avoid binging – don’t save up your drinks for a big night.
- Sip on low-alcohol drinks or mocktails.
- Hydrate between drinks and stay in control.
- For more tips on reducing or quitting, check out ACON’s Pivot Point and Drink Limits resources.
Image: Rudy Jean Rigg
Getting Help With Alcohol Consumption
When you’re ready to cut down on alcohol, there’s support out there:
- Use a self assessment tool.
- Talk to a counsellor, online or in-person.
- Check out detox and rehab programs, like Clean Slate Clinic.
- ACON has LGBTQ+ specific support services.
- Try an app or digital tool like Hello Sunday Morning.
- Get info from NSW Health’s Your Room.
- Call NSW Health’s Get Healthy Coaching Service as an option.
- Ask your doctor about medicines and professional guidance.
Important note: For some people, suddenly stopping drinking can make them feel physically and emotionally unwell. If you feel sick, sweaty or cannot sleep when trying to cut down on your drinking – you may be experiencing withdrawal symptoms and should see your doctor. If in doubt, seek medical advice before you stop drinking.
Image: Benjamin Law
Photographed by: Jeff Andersen Jnr