I'm not a doctor either but I AM an alcoholic. I would suggest for to him to go to Alcoholics Anonymous (and quick) or have a (recovering) alcoholic, you know, talk to him one on one!
You can't make him go - he has to WANT it and be "willing to go to any lengths to get it". You cannot demand that he get into recovery. You CAN set appropriate boundaries to take care of your own needs. He is responsible for his own recovery - not you.

And if he IS an alcoholic, one drink is too many and a 100 is not enough. "...seems excessive..", he may not call himself an alcoholic but, from what you describe, he drinks alcoholicly.

The cancer is definitely what we call "a convincer" in the program. If he's ignoring it then then will be worse lessons to learn further down the road -guaranteed.

The paradox of recovery from alcoholism is that one has to admit they are powerless to be empowered to quit. Alcoholism is a disease and denial is a major component. Some can't admit that "their lives have become unmanageable".

The "normal" people out there will NEVER understand this. They drink to get a little tipsy, not for the effect or self medication. Remember also that alcoholism is but a symptom of the disease. That's why it takes a lifetime committment to the program.

I was a "beeraholic" myself. Email me privately and I give you my phone number if he wishes to speak directly with another alcoholic/cancer survivor about it.

I would also suggest that you immediately get some help for yourself. Years of co-dependency, rescuing and enabling will take a strong toll on you also. Look in your phone book for Al-Anon (for you) and AA for him. You both need help.

This isn't going to go away.