EVEN relatively low levels of alcohol can increase your risk of cancer, according to a regional campaign.

Balance, the North East Alcohol Office, says alcohol increases the risk of at least seven different types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth and throat, bowel and breast cancer in women.

The campaign will help the people of the North-East keep their risks low, by encouraging them to drink within the new recommended guidelines of 14 units of alcohol per week for both men and women.

Sue Taylor, Partnerships Manager for Balance, the North East Alcohol Office, said: “So many people remain unaware of the links between alcohol and cancer, as well as the health risks associated with alcohol in general.

“This is particularly worrying when we’re seeing such sharp increases in alcohol-related hospital admissions.

“The fact is, these diseases so often creep up on us, with many people believing they’re drinking in moderation, when actually they’re drinking more than they think”.

Councillor Lucy Hovvels MBE, portfolio holder for adult and health services at Durham County Council, said: “In County Durham, people have lots of opportunities to talk to both GPs and their local pharmacists about any concerns they have about their levels of alcohol consumption.

“This campaign will help health professionals to raise the issue of alcohol and support people to make small changes in their drinking behaviour that will go a long way to helping reducing cancer risk in our area.”