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The European Parliament adopted its World Cancer Day resolution on 12 February 2026, but rejected amendments that would have strengthened the wording on alcohol and cancer. A proposal to state that “no level of alcohol consumption is safe” was voted down, with the final text retaining a more cautious reference to WHO and IARC awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer. The vote revealed internal divisions across several political groups.

Up to 40% of global cancer cases could be prevented, according to WHO and IARC’s new analysis. The study links 7.1 million cases in 2022 to modifiable risks like tobacco, alcohol, infections, and air pollution, urging governments to adopt targeted prevention strategies.

Heavy lifetime alcohol use significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer, especially rectal cancer, according to a major U.S. screening trial. Consistent heavy drinking across adulthood was linked to a 91% higher risk, while former drinkers showed no elevated risk—suggesting that quitting alcohol may help reduce long-term cancer risk.

Reducing alcohol consumption in Australia by just one litre per person annually could significantly cut deaths from several major cancers, especially among older adults. A La Trobe University study using 70 years of national data links long‑term drinking to higher mortality from UADT, liver, colorectal, and breast cancers.