š· Is Your Nightly Glass of Wine Harming You More Than Helping?
Unwinding after a hectic day with a drink sounds pretty harmless, right? A glass of wine, a cold beerāno big deal. But new research is raising red flags that might make you rethink that evening ritual.
šØ No āSafeā Level of Alcohol, Says WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has made one thing crystal clear: there is no truly safe level of alcohol consumption. Even that first sip comes with health risksāespecially when it comes to cancer.

A glass of wine at home is deemed acceptable in society, and is a way a lot of people unwind (Getty stock)
In fact, drinking just two alcoholic beverages daily can increase your risk of colorectal cancer by nearly 40%, according to WHO-backed studies. And for women, even one daily drink significantly raises the risk of both colon and breast cancer.
āFrom a cancer prevention standpoint, no amount of alcohol is considered entirely safe,ā says Dr. Cedrek McFadden, a colorectal surgeon in South Carolina.
š©āāļø Whatās Happening with Young Adults?
Hereās a troubling trend: The Cancer Research Institute notes that colorectal cancer cases among adults aged 20ā39 have increased by 2% every year over the past three decades.

Should we be contemplating having a glass to take the edge off? (Getty stock)
The American Cancer Society estimates over 107,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2024 aloneāroughly 54,000 men and 53,000 women.
Interestingly, while rates are climbing in younger people, theyāre actually declining in older adults (65+), likely due to more widespread screening and healthier habits.
š Not Just BoozeāOther Diet Dangers
While alcohol plays a big role, itās not the only villain. Experts are pointing fingers at processed meats and sugary drinks, too.

Sugary drinks have also been linked to colorectal cancer (Getty stock)
Dr. Emma Schatoff, an oncologist from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, found that stage 4 colorectal cancer in young adults is strongly linked to high-sugar diets.
āWe defined a high sugar diet as consuming things like just one soda or candy bar daily,ā she said.
š§¾ What Can You Do?
Hereās how to lower your risk and still enjoy life:
- Cut back on alcoholāeven a little makes a big difference.
- Limit sugary drinks and processed foods.
- Get screened regularly, especially if you have a family history.
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
š§ Final Sip of Wisdom
While the occasional drink might feel like a harmless treat, experts agreeāthe less, the better. Being mindful of your habits today could help prevent serious health problems down the line.
If you or someone you know has been affected by cancer and needs support, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their 24/7 live chat.


