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Up to four in ten cancer cases in Europe could be prevented, according to the newly updated European Code Against Cancer (ECAC). The 2025 version strengthens several recommendations, including a clear new message to avoid alcohol completely, as any amount increases the risk of cancer.

New global evidence confirms that alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer, and the danger rises with every drink. The 2025 Surgeon General’s advisory and new data from the European Society for Medical Oncology show that even light drinking raises risk. Experts from WHO, IARC, and WCRF agree there is no safe level of alcohol for cancer prevention, reinforcing the message this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Nearly half of Tasmanians are unaware or deny that alcohol increases cancer risk, according to new research commissioned by the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council Tasmania (ATDC). While most recognise alcohol’s links to mental health, pregnancy and injury risks, 45% remain uninformed about its role in cancer, prompting calls for stronger public education campaigns.

“The President of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has today warned the Government’s decision to delay the planned rollout of alcohol health information labelling until 2028 at the earliest is a ‘serious threat to public health’. Dr. Anne Dee stated that the delay prioritizes corporate interests over the wellbeing of Irish citizens, potentially increasing preventable diseases and harm to children.

From a glass of wine with dinner to a beer at a ballgame, alcohol is common in many social settings. Yet most Americans are unaware it raises cancer risk. “No amount of alcohol is risk-free,” says Dr. Suneel Kamath, noting links to at least seven types of cancer. Cutting back helps, but not drinking at all is best. Alcohol, along with smoking and obesity, is a major preventable cause of cancer worldwide.

A new meta-analysis published in *Clinical Colorectal Cancer* finds that both alcohol consumption and smoking are significant risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC). The review shows that the risk of EOCRC rises with higher alcohol use and that smoking—especially among current or ever-smokers—also increases risk, highlighting the need for targeted prevention.

Four in ten people would reduce their alcohol consumption if they knew that even low amounts of alcohol increase the risk of developing cancer.

A Working Group convened by IARC reviewed evidence on the effectiveness of alcohol policy interventions in reducing population-level alcohol consumption. Sufficient evidence was found for measures such as tax increases, minimum pricing, outlet density and sale time restrictions, marketing bans, and government monopolies. These interventions support WHO's Global Strategy to reduce harmful alcohol use.

Alcohol is a focus in the 2024 cancer prevention update, linked to cancer risks and requiring both individual and systemic action.