A quarter of men are “risky drinkers” who have an increased chance of developing cancer, liver disease and mental health problems, a study has suggested.

More should be done to target this category, who breach the safety limits without getting drunk or binge drinking, according to the report entitled From One To Many, published by the 2020health think tank.

The report suggests 26 per cent of men regularly consume “one too many”, compared with 18 per cent of women

It also claims the NHS could save £124m by stepping up action to address the issue, with effective interventions costing as little as £15 per patient.

A 10-minute advisory session with a doctor or nurse can reduce alcohol consumption by up to five units a week.

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