Alcohol

Moderate alcohol consumption might have some health benefits, but excessive alcohol use is a major risk factor for several cancers, including breast, liver, colon, and throat cancer. Alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical and a probable human carcinogen. It can damage DNA and prevent cells from repairing this damage, which in turn can lead to cancer.

The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, so moderation is key. For those who choose to drink, limiting intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men is advisable. Alternatively, completely abstaining from alcohol is the best way to eliminate this risk.