WHO Warns Alcohol Linked to Thousands of Cancer Cases in Europe

Alcohol consumption has emerged as a significant contributor to cancer cases across Europe, according to a recent report from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The report reveals that in the European Union, which has the highest levels of alcohol consumption globally, more than 111,000 new cancer cases were attributed to alcohol in 2020. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for stronger government policies to reduce alcohol consumption and prevent further health crises.

The IARC’s findings indicate that alcohol-related cancers are not only a health concern but also impose a substantial economic burden. In 2018, the cost of premature deaths due to alcohol-related cancers in Europe reached approximately €4.58 billion. Dr. Gundo Weiler, who oversees prevention and health promotion at WHO’s Europe office, highlighted the serious consequences of alcohol consumption, stating, “The WHO European Region, and especially countries of the EU, are paying too high a price for alcohol in preventable cancers and broken families.”

Understanding the Cancer Risks of Alcohol

The link between alcohol and cancer has been recognized since 1988, when the IARC classified alcohol as a carcinogen. The agency reports that alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer, including those affecting the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectum, and breast. Researchers attribute this risk to various factors, such as hormonal changes, alterations in gut microbiota, and DNA damage resulting from oxidative stress and the metabolite acetaldehyde found in ethanol.

Notably, the majority of alcohol-attributable cancers are associated with “risky” drinking, defined as consuming two to six alcoholic drinks per day, and “heavy” drinking, which exceeds six drinks daily. Even “moderate” drinking—defined as fewer than two drinks daily—was responsible for over 100,000 new cancer cases globally in 2020.

Strategies for Reducing Alcohol Consumption

The IARC’s latest analysis marks the first comprehensive evaluation of potential benefits from alcohol-related cancer prevention strategies. Dr. Elisabete Weiderpass, IARC director, stated, “Population-wide alcohol policies reduce drinking, and that reduced drinking lowers cancer risk.” In light of this evidence, the agency advocates for several policy measures, including higher taxes on alcohol, setting minimum prices, and increasing the legal drinking age.

Additional recommendations include limiting the number of alcohol retailers, regulating the hours of sale, banning alcohol advertising, and implementing government-controlled alcohol distribution. For instance, a study conducted in 2021 found that doubling alcohol excise taxes could have potentially prevented 6% of new alcohol-related cancer cases and deaths in the WHO’s European region in 2019.

Dr. Béatrice Lauby-Secretan emphasized the need for heightened awareness regarding the cancer risks associated with alcohol consumption. “No level of drinking is safe,” she said, urging everyone to contribute to changing the societal norms surrounding alcohol use.

This report from the WHO serves as a critical call to action for governments and individuals alike, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address the public health crisis posed by alcohol-related cancers. As Europe grapples with this ongoing challenge, the focus on effective policy measures could pave the way for a healthier future.