If the Dutch cut back on their alcohol consumption by just two glasses a week, they would prevent 11,500 cases of cancer by 2050, according to researchers at cancer centre IKNL.

That would mean a reduction of 427 cases of cancer a year, the IKNL said in a new report published on Tuesday.

Some three in four Dutch adults drink alcohol, although the number has gone down slightly in recent years, as has the amount they drink.

“Not enough people realise that even a small amount of alcohol increases your risk of cancer,” project leader Jelle Evers told broadcaster RTL.

The research team, he said, opted to look at the impact of a small reduction because it is a realistic choice that “most Dutch people can imagine themselves taking”.

The research suggests that a reduction in alcohol consumption will have the greatest impact on colon and rectal cancer in men and breast cancer in women.

Experts say there is no safe level of alcohol consumption and official government recommendations are for either a total stop, or no more than one glass a day.

“Being aware is not enough,” said Dorine Manson, director of cancer charity KWF Kankerbestrijding, which was also involved in the research.

“Our lives are full of stimuli to drink, such as alcohol adverts, which have a strong impact on behaviour, particularly when it comes to youngsters. A legal ban on alcohol advertising that reaches children and teenagers would be a logical and necessary first step.”