'Drinking any alcohol regularly is risky'

LONDON, Jan 8: British health officials say that drinking any alcohol regularly increases the risk of cancer, in tough new guidelines that could be hard to swallow for a nation where having a pint is a hallowed tradition.

Britain's Chief Medical Officer advised both men and women not to drink any more than 14 units of alcohol, or about six pints of beer a week, which still carries a low risk of liver disease or cancer. Previously, men had been allowed up to 21 units a week.The guidance also clarified advice to pregnant women, recommending they avoid alcohol "as a precaution." In a departure from previous advice, the government said there is no "safe" level of alcohol for pregnant women.

Britain also recommended people have several alcohol-free days a week.

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