Many 'liquor legends' we know in our families and friend circles swear by the policy 'One peg a day keeps reality away, and the hangover at bay.' Regardless of how funny or problematic the dictum sounds, peg prodigies do not care. Like Lalu Alex's character Thampy sir in the evergreen film 'Kalyanaraman,' they would quip, 'Liquor is harmful to your whole body' and down another peg. However, if you are one of those casual drinkers who can get easily swayed by reasons to sign up for regular buzz breaks, think again. The latest research reports suggest that those who drink a beer or wine once a week are more likely to get oesophageal cancer, rectal cancer, or even liver cirrhosis than others. These findings were in the draft report prepared by the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Prevention of Underage Drinking. The study was conducted to prepare the drinking guidelines for Americans.

What's the 'safe' limit?
According to the study, those who consume alcohol are easily prone to getting cancer as compared to others. Dr Kevin Shield, who led the study, says that alcohol, consumed in any quantity, is harmful to health and that there is no ‘safe’ amount of alcohol. The report also suggests that your life expectancy increases if you drink less. He stressed that quitting drinking is the best way to lead a healthy life. Breast cancer, rectal cancer, oral cancer and oesophageal cancer are some of the commonly seen cancers in alcohol addicts.

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Compared to teetotallers, men and women who consume alcohol are more likely to get these cancers. Men who drink three pegs every day have three times more chance of getting oesophageal cancer. Meanwhile, women who drink once a week are five times more likely to get throat or oesophageal cancer. They might also get breast cancer. Moreover, the study shows that women who drink are more likely to get cancer than men who drink. It was found out that alcohol speeds up the growth of the cancer cells.

What decides the right limit?
As per the existing drinking guidelines in the US, men can drink up to two pegs, and women can have a peg every day. However, doctors have been demanding to reduce these quantities based on the findings in recent studies. Moreover, the right quantity, frequency and kind of drink always depend on an individual's fitness. Therefore, get the help of your health provider to decide how often and how much you can drink. Also, fitness experts can help you with finding other kinds of stress busters and modes of enjoyment if you are turning to alcohol as such a source. 

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