Nearly 87% of people in the UK are unaware that consuming red wine increases the risk of cancer, a survey has revealed by market research firm YouGov for the World Cancer Research Fund.

The poll results indicated that approximately three-quarters of people (73%) are aware that cancer might be inherited, though it comparatively has a very less probability.

The survey further revealed that up to half of the people (47%) had the wrong idea that stress enhances the risk of cancer.

While avoiding drinking alcohol and smoking decreases the risk of cancer, the harmful effects of the red wine are found to be greater than the claimed heart health benefits.

"Around 21,000 cancer cases could be prevented in the UK every year if no-one drank alcohol."

World Cancer Research Fund Health Information head Sarah Toule said: "All types of alcohol increase the risk of a number of different cancers so we recommend for cancer prevention that people don’t drink any alcohol.

"In fact, around 21,000 cancer cases could be prevented in the UK every year if no-one drank alcohol."

The World Cancer Research Fund said that a third of the most common cancers could be prevented every year in the country with increased physical activity, as well as improved diet and weight.

The poll showed that 18 to 24-year-olds are the most aware (27%) of the cancer risk due to wine while people of more than 55 years age are the least aware (6%).

Image: Red wine. Photo: courtesy of alex_ugalek/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.