For many, a glass of wine or a cold beer seems harmless—even healthy in moderation. But beneath the buzz lies a silent danger: alcohol is a known carcinogen. When consumed, your body breaks alcohol down into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that damages DNA and prevents cell repair—setting the stage for cancer.

Even small amounts of alcohol increase risk. A single drink per day raises a woman’s breast cancer risk by 7–10%. High consumption—about four drinks daily—can boost risk by 40–50%. The danger is even greater for cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and liver, especially when combined with smoking.

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no “safe” level of drinking when it comes to cancer. The truth is sobering: your favorite cocktail might be a cocktail of cancer risk. Knowing the facts empowers better choices—your health may depend on it.