International health organisations like the World Health Organisation agree that alcohol can cause a range of cancers, particularly: Mouth and Oesophagus (gullet), Bowel, Breast, Liver.

Why does alcohol cause cancer? This increased association has been established by a number of well conducted clinical trials but evenso to the direct causative link is still uncertain. Evidence is also compromised by knowledge that heavy drinkers also tend to smoke, eat poorly and lack exercise. Some researchers feel the independent alcohol risk lies in the understanding that alcohol is converted into a chemical called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde a carcinogenic, damaging DNA and preventing it being repaired.  People who smoke and drink heavily have very high levels of acetaldehyde in their saliva. 
Alcohol is also fattening and this leads to obesity which carries a higher risk. 
Alcohol excess over long periods of time can lead to liver cirrhosis which greatly increases the risk of liver cancer.

Further information The book Lifestyle After Cancer summarises the lifestyle evidence from around the world and provides practical advice for all stages in the cancer journey. A detailed film available in English, Italian, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati & Hindi explains Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy. Cancernet.co.uk is a comprehensive cancer information resource written by an experienced team of doctors, health professionals and patients. It contains links and information on:  Specific cancers:  Breast | Prostate | Bowel.  Cancer treatments:  Chemotherapy | Radiotherapy | Hormones | Biological agents | Complementary therapies .  Lifestyle and cancer:  Exercise | Diet | Smoking | Sunbathing | Alcohol. Tips to help with symptoms and side effects. Financial issues: Traveling | Travel insurance| Links to support groups | Books | Tests for cancer | Clinical trials | What is cancer | How to avoid cancer | Glossary | About us | Disclaimer.