Sydney: Just one pint of beer daily raises prostate cancer risk, according to Australian researchers.

They found two or more drinks a day increased the likelihood of developing the disease by 20 per cent – well below most healthy drinking guidelines.

Scientists at Curtin University in Australia say their review of 35 studies looking at the relationship between drinking levels and the risk of prostate cancer, was large enough to confirm a link.

At the same time moderate drinking in older men is thought to offer protection from heart disease.

The review, published in the journal of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, included all studies published in or before 2006.

It reveals that heavier drinkers, which is judged at 14 or more drinks weekly, are about 20 per cent more likely to develop prostate cancer.