according to the british medical journal. 3% of cancer deaths in the U.K. result from excessive drinking. and the popular combination of heavy drinking and smoking multiplies the risks.in women drink more than recommended limits -6 liters per week for men,4 liters for women. a word from family doctors could persuade three of ten to togo easy on the bottle. unfortunately, doctors are often reluctant to intervene. A study in 1985 found that only 40% of doctors felt motivated to talk with patients about potential excessive drinking. a survey of 5,000 patients found only 2% had been counseled by their doctors about alcohol consumption within the previous year.