In addition to the short-term effects (notably better quality sleep, more beautiful skin, weight loss, better concentration, etc.), reducing or stopping your alcohol consumption mainly provides long-term benefits.
Alcohol is a proven carcinogen (group 1) classified as such since 1988 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (1).
Alcohol is the second preventable risk factor for cancer in France, after tobacco. This represents approximately 28,000 new cases of cancer attributable to alcohol in France each year (2). And, in 2024, the number of deaths attributable to alcohol is estimated at 49,000 (including 30,000 deaths among men and 11,000 deaths among women – or respectively 11% and 4% of mortality among adults aged 15). and more) (3).
Among the causes of death associated with alcohol consumption, cancers occupy first place with 16,000 deaths per year (4). The other deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases, cirrhosis, accidents or suicide, etc. Seven cancer sites have a proven link with alcohol consumption: cancers of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, liver, colon-rectum and breast (5). For breast cancer, the risk increases with consumption of less than one drink per day (6). Breast cancer is the most impacted with 8,000 cases attributable to alcohol (7).
Cardiovascular disorders
Regular alcohol consumption raises blood pressure and increases the risk of hypertension: in men: any alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure. Blood pressure also increases the risk of stroke (hemorrhagic stroke) and atrial fibrillation (8).
Recommendations
– Maximum ten glasses per week.
– Maximum two glasses per day.
– Days during the week without consumption.
Source: Public Health France.
And also
– Reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
– Improves the immune system to better fight against diseases.
– Improves recovery after practicing physical activities.
– Increases the chances of successfully getting pregnant for women who try.
– Reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction in men (9).
Practical
(1), (2), (5), (8) Source: Santé Publique France.
(3), (4), (6) Source: League against cancer.
(7) Source: League against cancer.
France
