Siteman Cancer Center’s 8IGHTWAYS® to stay healthy and prevent cancer campaign brings together eight practical steps that can lower the risk of many cancers and other chronic diseases. The campaign highlights maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, avoiding tobacco, eating a healthy diet, protecting yourself from the sun, preventing sexually transmitted infections, getting recommended screening tests, and limiting alcohol.

One part of the campaign gives particular attention to alcohol and cancer. Under the heading “Limit alcohol, zero is best”, it states that drinking alcohol can increase the chances of developing six different types of cancer. It also notes that even ½ to 1 drink a day can increase the risk of breast and colon cancer, and that zero alcohol is the healthiest choice overall.

The campaign is built around clear, everyday prevention advice rather than complicated medical language. Its strength is that it places alcohol alongside other well-known cancer prevention issues, such as tobacco, diet, physical activity and screening. This helps make the alcohol and cancer connection easier to understand as part of a broader public health message about prevention and healthy living.

Find more from Siteman Cancer Center (USA, June 2026)