More than half of Irish people who drink do so in a ‘harmful manner’ and it could be increasing their risk of cancer, researchers have warned.

A study carried out by the HRB Clinical Research Facility at NUI Galway showed that 54% of Irish people who drink do so irresponsibly, with 75% of all drinking done in ‘binge’ sessions (drinking six standard drinks or more).

A separate 12-country analysis across five continents has found that harmful alcohol use is linked with increased risk of alcohol-related cancers.

Dr Andrew Smyth of NUI Galway led the research, which interviewed 114,970 adults.