Drinking just two beers a day increases men’s risk of developing prostate cancer by a quarter
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Britain
MEN hugely increase their risk of prostate cancer even if they stick to one or two beers a day.
Australian scientists found the chance of developing the disease rises by a quarter.
The danger keeps increasing the more alcohol they regularly drink.
Even with low-volume drinking, no more than two drinks per day, men had a 23 per cent greater risk of prostate cancer to those who have never drunk.
The research also suggests that any type of alcohol can increase the risk of other cancers including skin and pancreas.
Dr Tim Stockwell slammed previous studies saying low alcohol intake is ok
Researcher Dr Tim Stockwell condemned previous studies showing moderate amounts of alcohol were beneficial, saying they were flawed.
He warned: “Alcohol consumption will need to be factored in to future estimates of the global burden of disease.”
The new study from Australia's University of Victoria and Curtin University shows evidence of a link between drinking alcohol and the risk of prostate cancer.
Previous studies, where former drinkers were counted with those who had never touched a drop, muddied the results.
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The new study now shows the more people have drunk, even if they now abstain, adds to the risk of prostate cancer.
Dr Stockwell confirmed: "This new study contributes to the strengthening evidence that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for prostate cancer."
Report co-author Dr Tanya Chikrizhs added: "These findings highlight the need for better methods in research on alcohol and health.
"Past and future studies that demonstrate protection from disease due to low-level drinking should be treated with caution."
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Britain and is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in men worldwide.