(Arlington, VA, Thursday, June 25, 2020) – Turning to alcohol to relieve stress is not uncommon, but the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) says it is not a long-term and healthy solution to coping with the negative effects of stress.

Many people are experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety right now due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. By finding ways to cope with those feelings that don’t involve alcohol, you can improve both your physical and mental health and help reduce your cancer risk.

The American Cancer Society’s latest guidelines to lower cancer risks include avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption.

One of AICR’s Cancer Prevention Recommendations is to limit alcohol consumption, as research shows that consuming alcoholic beverages increases the risk for six cancers. If you do drink, limit your consumption to 2 drinks for men and 1 drink for women per day.

AICR suggests the following coping mechanisms to try when experiencing heightened feelings of stress: exercise; call a friend or family member; eat a well-balanced meal; take a break from social media; and try a relaxation exercise.

While the COVID-19 outbreak has affected our world, AICR says to focus on what we can control and take care of our own health.

The American Institute for Cancer Research helps the public understand the relationship between lifestyle, nutrition and cancer risk. We work to prevent cancer through innovative research, community programs and impactful public health initiatives.