Experts are calling for stronger public policies to limit alcohol consumption, which could prevent thousands of cancer cases and deaths each year. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) stresses that no level of alcohol consumption is safe.
In the European Union, alcohol caused more than 111,000 new cases of cancer in 2020. Globally, this figure is expected to reach 741,000 cases, with almost 70% of new cases occurring in men. In addition, the economic damage from premature deaths due to alcohol-related cancer was estimated at €4.58 billion in 2018.
The IARC classified alcohol as a carcinogen in 1988. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, and colon. Alcohol causes cancer through hormonal changes, disruption of the gut microbiome, oxidative stress, and DNA damage from acetaldehyde, a substance found in ethanol.
Studies show that even “moderate” alcohol consumption — less than two drinks a day — caused more than 100,000 new cancer cases worldwide in 2020. The greatest risk is associated with “risky” (2–6 drinks a day) and “heavy” (more than 6 drinks a day) levels of consumption.
IARC proposes a number of measures to reduce alcohol-related harm: raising taxes, setting minimum prices, raising the drinking age, limiting the number of stores, banning advertising, and government control over alcohol sales. These steps could significantly reduce the number of cancer cases and save thousands of lives.
