Alcohol during treatment is going to really really HURT!! Why do you think the doctors tell you to use only alcohol-free mouth washes etc. during treatment? It will irritate and prevent the damaged tissues from healing. It will exacerbate those mouth sores.

Also, if your partner was a heavy drinker prior to diagnosis, the alcohol may well have been a contributory factor in his cancer. If he is depressed and anxious then his doctors may well want to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication -- many on this forum (in USA) were given Ativan (not sure equivalent in Aus). But (as Nelie posted) many of these drugs should never be taken with alcohol!

Excessive alcohol use is a causative factor in some oral cancers, but not all. My husband had an HPV+ cancer and his MO told him that he could drink in moderation (in social occasions) once his throat healed. Alcohol was not a factor in his disease. He (and I) drink 4 oz. of red wine every other day as we are both on a Mediterrean diet.

BUT -- anyone who has a drinking problem, (whether they choose to admit it or not) must not drink again. This is a health issue beyond oral cancer -- it will kill you in the end. I would strongly suggest that he speak with counselor or psychologist at the hospital about getting help for this as well.

Gail