Alcohol and CANCER

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News, research, opinions, statements, events, videos. Everything about this crucial, yet unknown link.

22%

aware of alcohol/cancer link in Denmark (unprompted)

40%

of all cancers are preventable

1000

Swedes die from cancer caused by alcohol, yearly

9.7%

Cancer deaths by alcohol in Lithuania

The year-end interview with Dr Harriet Rumgay: Uncovering the Link Between Alcohol and Cancer

Dr Harriet Rumgay, a researcher at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization, recently defended her PhD dissertation titled "Measuring the Impact of Alcohol on the Global Burden of Cancer: International analyses of alcohol-related cancers". According to her research, alcohol intake was responsible for an estimated 741,000 additional cancer cases worldwide in 2020.

Alcohol and cancer awareness in Nordic countries

Despite the well-established contribution of alcohol to the burden of cancer, public knowledge of the relationship between alcohol and cancer is low across the world, including Nordic countries.

When we talk about alcohol increasing the risk of cancer, there’s a little more to it than that. That’s because, as the latest research highlights, it’s one of the chemicals alcohol gets broken down into that seems to be one of the main culprits.

Alcohol is broken down via a strict process and converted into energy. And it’s acetaldehyde, at the centre of this chain, that’s the weakest link. If acetaldehyde isn’t broken down further it builds up in cells, where it damages DNA in a way that could cause cancer.

Alcohol and cancer: This is how booze damages DNA inside cells

By Aine McCarthy

Cancer Research UK

Study Probes Awareness of Alcohol’s Link to Cancer

A new study conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) reveals alarming public misconceptions about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer, with most American adults unaware of the risks associated with drinking.

Alcohol and cancer: our new global policy priority

At the World Cancer Congress 2022, we shared our experiences of working in international alcohol policy with the global cancer community. Executive Director of Science and Public Affairs Kate Allen and Head of Policy and Public Affairs Kate Oldridge-Turner look at the challenges and opportunities for us to contribute to global efforts to reduce alcohol consumption.