The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study focused on cancer attributable to current and former alcohol consumption.

The report read: “In western Europe, an important proportion of cases of cancer can be attributable to alcohol consumption, especially consumption higher than the recommended upper limits."

The study saw 109, 118 men and 254, 870 women participate, with an age range of 37-70.

The eight participating countries were France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Greece, Germany and Denmark.

The report continued: “These data support current political efforts to reduce or to abstain from alcohol consumption to reduce the incidence of cancer.”

Chris Sorek, chief executive of alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware said: “We know people are often surprised to hear there is a link between alcohol and cancer – Drinkaware research shows under a third (30%) of adults are aware that mouth cancer can be a serious consequence of drinking to excess.

“Today’s findings in the British Medical Journal are a startling reminder that drinking too much alcohol can have a range of detrimental effects on people’s health.

“They also confirm the importance of making consumers aware of the health risks associated with drinking to excess.”