ALCOHOL INCREASES RISK OF BREAK CANCER BY 50%

Cancer Research says alcohol causes about 2,000 breast cancer cases a year. Now the Department of Health has confirmed that women who drink above the government's recommended limit of 14 units a week are 50% more likely to develop breast cancer. It has launched a £10million campaign targeting women who might underestimate their drinking.

"Many women drink too much simply because they have no idea how many alcohol units they are consuming,” Public Health minister Dawn Primarolo said. "After the campaign, no-one should be in any doubt as to how many units they're drinking and the impact on their health."

There is concern that stronger wine of up to 13% alcohol and larger 250ml glasses can make women think they are drinking less than they are. One glass can contain as much as 3.5 units of alcohol.

Primarolo said professional women who drank too much had "gone under the radar" for a long time.

Other health risks for women who binge drink include liver disease, unplanned pregnancies and ruptured bladders.