SUFFOLK'S pharmacies are running an alcohol awareness campaign this month, warning drinkers that they are risking cancer, memory loss, brain damage, heart disease and even dementia.

SUFFOLK'S pharmacies are running an alcohol awareness campaign this month, warning drinkers that they are risking cancer, memory loss, brain damage, heart disease and even dementia.

Across the county, branches will be displaying posters and giving out booklets highlighting the number of units of alcohol in different drinks and the dangers of drinking during pregnancy.

The campaign, led by NHS Suffolk, the county's primary care trust, aims to educate people that regularly drinking more than the recommended number of units over a long period of time can lead to certain types of cancer, especially breast cancer, as well as memory loss, brain damage or even dementia, increased risk of heart disease and certain types of stroke, as well as cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.

Senior pharmacist Richard Hodgson said: “People are gradually becoming more and more aware of the dangers of drinking too much, too often.

“However, the message still isn't reaching some people, who are putting their health at serious risk.

“Tackling the problems associated with alcohol is a key priority for us. If more people sit up, take notice and think before they drink, we may be able to make a real difference.”