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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.

Alcohol is strongly linked to at least seven types of cancer: mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectal, and female breast. Liquor store density is associated with heavy drinking, disproportionately affecting communities of color. Early detection through screening saves lives and improves outcomes.

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.

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.

Ethanol under EU review: disinfectant risks assessed, while its cancer-causing role in alcohol remains widely accepted.

New study links tobacco and alcohol to distinct DNA damage in head and neck cancer, revealing complex and combined mutational effects.

Alcohol's toxic effects on the digestive system increase the risk of cancers, including esophageal, colorectal, and liver cancer.