What if the problem isn't alcohol - but what we're numbing?
The Alcohol Debate
In this insightful episode of The Alcohol Debate, host Tabbin Almond delves into the intricate relationship between our emotions and alcohol consumption. Tabbin emphasizes that many individuals turn to drinking not because of the allure of alcohol itself, but as a coping mechanism to manage uncomfortable feelings such as stress, anxiety, and even joy. This episode challenges the notion that we feel too much, proposing instead that we often lack the tools to process our emotions safely and effectively. Listeners will explore the psychology and neuroscience behind emotional suppression, learning...
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What comes after (dry) January?
The Alcohol Debate
In this thought-provoking episode of The Alcohol Debate, host Tabbin Almond reflects on the end of January, a month often associated with the popular initiative known as Dry January. Tabbin emphasizes that whether you participated fully, partially, or not at all, there is value in this conversation for everyone. The focus is not on perfection or strict metrics, but rather on using this time as an opportunity to pause and reassess your relationship with alcohol. The episode dives into the societal norms surrounding drinking and how Dry January serves as a circuit breaker, prompting...
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The Twin Taboos Of Alcohol & Menopause with Laura Haycock
The Alcohol Debate
In this enlightening episode of The Alcohol Debate, host Tabbin Almond welcomes psychologist and author Laura Haycock, who shares her insights on the intersection of menopause and alcohol use. With her extensive background in coaching senior leaders and her best-selling book, M Power, Laura sheds light on the often-taboo subjects of menopause and problematic drinking, exploring how they impact women's lives and careers. Laura candidly discusses her personal journey through perimenopause, the challenges she faced, and how these experiences informed her work with women in leadership roles. The...
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Booze & Romance Aren't Really Good Bedfellows with Dr Dan Sneider
The Alcohol Debate
Relationships can be hard. When the spark fades and every conversation feels like walking on eggshells, it’s easy to drift apart. That’s where today’s guest, Dr. Dan Sneider, comes in. He’s a licensed couples therapist, educator, and creator of The Intimacy Shift: A Blueprint for Moving From Conflict to Lasting Connection, a 12-week program that transforms couples’ relationships by rebuilding trust, improving communication, and rediscovering real intimacy. With personal experience and over a decade of professional expertise helping hundreds of couples, Dr. Dan knows what it...
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What Are You Really Thirsty For? with Anna Donaghey
The Alcohol Debate
In this episode of The Alcohol Debate, our host, Tabbin Almond, engages in a heartfelt discussion with Anna Donaghy about her newly released book, "What Are You Thirsty For? Rethinking Alcohol and the Life You Want." Drawing from their decade-long friendship in the advertising industry and their shared mission to help others navigate their relationship with alcohol, Anna shares the inspiration behind her book and the powerful message it conveys. The conversation delves into the underlying cravings that often drive individuals to drink, emphasizing the importance of recognizing what we...
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Setting Yourself Up For Success With Dry January
The Alcohol Debate
As we transition into a new year, this episode of The Alcohol Debate offers insightful tips for navigating a drier January. Recorded from a cozy setting, our host shares practical advice for anyone looking to reduce their alcohol consumption, whether it's a complete break or simply cutting back. With a focus on kindness to oneself, the episode emphasizes the importance of gradual changes rather than drastic measures. Listeners are encouraged to assess their drinking habits and consider a staged reduction approach, particularly if they have been drinking heavily. Our host stresses the...
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The A-Z Of An Alcohol-Free Christmas (Part 2)
The Alcohol Debate
In this enlightening episode of The Alcohol Debate, we delve into the transformative potential of an alcohol-free Christmas. This two-part series continues with a deep dive into the letters N through Z, offering practical strategies and insights to help you navigate the festive season with clarity, joy, and a renewed sense of self. We explore the importance of nourishment, the normalcy of nerves, and the excitement of novelty as pillars of a fulfilling holiday experience. Discover how to manage overwhelm, the significance of planning, and the power of presence as you engage with friends and...
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The A-Z Of An Alcohol-Free Christmas (Part 1)
The Alcohol Debate
In this episode of The Alcohol Debate, Tabbin Almond takes us on a journey through the A to Z of having an alcohol-free Christmas, offering insightful strategies to navigate the festive season without the influence of alcohol. Drawing from her experience in advertising, Tabin emphasizes the importance of creative thinking and reframing our relationship with alcohol during this time of year. The conversation begins with the acknowledgment of anxiety, a common trigger for festive drinking, and moves into the realm of alternatives, encouraging listeners to explore new choices and activities that...
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What Do We Do With The Drunken Sailor (Or Construction Worker)?
The Alcohol Debate
This conversation with Nick McMurray was such a refreshing shift from the usual workplace narrative around drugs and alcohol. Nick is a Director of Positive Matters, an organisation that helps businesses build strategies that meet safety requirements for substance misuse through a culture of trust and support. Their focus is on the health and mental well being of employees, which is a world away from the test and fire approach that still appears far too often. His work brings together clarity, strategy, and humanity in a way that genuinely benefits both people and organisations. We...
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Parties Without Repercussions
The Alcohol Debate
Office parties can be brilliant for bringing people together, but they also have a habit of going off the rails when alcohol takes the lead. In this episode, I talk through how employers and employees can shape a celebration that’s warm, fun, and genuinely memorable, without waking up to HR headaches the next morning. It’s not about banning booze, it’s about taking back control of the evening so everyone feels safe and included. I also share some practical tricks for anyone attending a work party and hoping to avoid drinking more than they planned. From choosing a first...
info_outlineIn this episode, I’m talking about something that’s often brushed aside but really needs our attention - the link between alcohol and cancer.
I’ll share what the science actually says, how alcohol became recognised as a carcinogen by the World Health Organisation, and why even light or “middle lane” drinking increases risk.
This isn’t about shame or blame. Having faced breast cancer myself, I know how complex this is. My goal is simply to inform and empower you, so you can make choices that genuinely support your health and peace of mind.
I’ll also walk you through my Eight to Liberate framework - eight simple steps to help you cut back with awareness and confidence, without pressure or perfectionism.
Highlights:
(03:13) How alcohol is classified as a carcinogen by the WHO
(05:00) Seven types of cancer linked directly to alcohol
(09:40) The science behind how alcohol damages the body
(14:13) Why breast cancer awareness around alcohol remains low
(19:12) The shocking story of being told “you’re cancer free” without mention of alcohol
(28:51) Common myths about alcohol and health
(30:00) Practical steps to reduce your risk and feel better
Key Facts and Takeaways:
1️⃣ Alcohol is a Group 1 Carcinogen
- The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same category as tobacco smoke, asbestos, and ultraviolet radiation.
- (WHO / International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2021)
2️⃣ Global and UK Statistics
- Alcohol is responsible for around 4% of all new cancer cases globally, equivalent to about 740,000 cases per year.
- (WHO / IARC, 2021)
- In the UK, alcohol was linked to approximately 17,000 new cancer cases in 2020, including over 4,000 breast cancer cases.
- (House of Commons Library, “Alcohol and Cancer”, 2023)
3️⃣ The Cancers Most Strongly Linked to Alcohol
Evidence is strongest for seven cancers:
- Mouth
- Throat and voice box
- Oesophagus
- Liver
- Colon and rectum
- Female breast
(World Cancer Research Fund International, 2024)
4️⃣ Breast Cancer and Alcohol
- Around 8–10% of all female breast cancers in the UK — roughly 4,100 to 4,400 cases per year — are linked to alcohol.
- (Cancer Research UK; House of Commons Library, 2023)
- A 2024 meta-analysis found that:
- Drinking less than one drink per day was associated with a 4% higher breast cancer risk compared with non-drinkers.
- Each additional daily drink increased risk by ~3% in premenopausal women and ~10% in postmenopausal women.
- (Xu et al., 2024)
- Earlier pooled studies found a 30–50% higher risk at around 1–2 drinks per day (15–30g alcohol).
- (Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer, Lancet Oncology, 2011)
5️⃣ How Alcohol Causes Cancer
- DNA Damage: Alcohol is metabolised to acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that damages DNA.
- Oxidative Stress: Creates reactive oxygen species that injure cells.
- Hormonal Effects: Raises oestrogen levels, increasing breast tissue vulnerability.
- Folate Interference: Reduces the body’s ability to repair DNA.
- Enhanced Carcinogen Absorption: Makes tissues more permeable to harmful chemicals.
- (WHO, 2021; National Cancer Institute, 2023)
6️⃣ Low Awareness
- Only around half of UK adults know alcohol can cause cancer.
- Just one in five recognise the link between alcohol and breast cancer.
- (Alcohol Health Alliance UK, 2023)
- Ireland will introduce cancer-warning labels on alcohol products in 2026.
7️⃣ No “Safe” Level for Cancer
- UK low-risk guidelines advise no more than 14 units per week for men and women, spread over several days with drink-free days.
- (UK Chief Medical Officers, 2016)
- For cancer specifically, experts stress that risk increases with any amount — so less is better.
Sources
- World Health Organization / IARC (2021) – Alcohol: A Major Preventable Cause of Cancer
- House of Commons Library (2023) – Alcohol and Cancer (Research Briefing)
- Xu, et al. (2024) – Alcohol Consumption and Breast Cancer Risk: Updated Meta-Analysis
- Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer (2011) – Alcohol, Menopausal Status and Breast Cancer Risk, Lancet Oncology
- Cancer Research UK (2024) – Alcohol and Cancer Statistics
- Alcohol Health Alliance UK (2023) – Public Awareness Poll on Alcohol and Cancer
- UK Chief Medical Officers (2016) – Low Risk Drinking Guidelines
- National Cancer Institute (2023) – Alcohol and Cancer Fact Sheet
- World Cancer Research Fund International (2024) – Alcohol and Cancer Risk Report
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