WHO warns: Leading cause of cancer

According to a scientific review published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the WHO's cancer research agency, the European Union—the region with the highest per capita alcohol consumption in the world—experienced more than 111,000 new cancer cases in 2020. Globally, alcohol is responsible for an estimated 741,000 new cancer cases, with nearly 70 percent of these cases occurring in men.

According to WHO data, the economic cost of alcohol-related cancers is also high. In 2018, €4.58 billion was lost due to premature deaths. Dr. Gundo Weiler of the WHO European Office summarized the situation by saying, "European countries are paying a very high price for alcohol-related illnesses, deaths, and broken families."

'SHOULDN'T BE NORMALIZED'

Weiler reminded that alcohol is seen as a cultural heritage in some countries, saying, "However, illness, death and disability should not be normalized as part of European culture."

Alcohol was classified as a carcinogen by the WHO's IARC in 1988. Research shows that alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectum, and female breast.

Scientists attribute the mechanisms by which alcohol causes cancer to biological processes such as hormone imbalances, changes in the gut microbiome, oxidative stress, and DNA damage from ethanol metabolites. Research indicates that reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption significantly lowers the risk of these cancers.

EVEN MODERATE DRINKING IS RISKY

According to the report, most alcohol-related cancers are associated with "risky" (two to six drinks per day) or "heavy" (more than six drinks per day) consumption. But strikingly, even "moderate" drinking (less than two drinks per day) caused more than 100,000 new cancer cases worldwide in 2020.

"No level of drinking is safe. Raising awareness of alcohol's cancer risk is critical," said Dr. Beatrice Lauby-Secretan of the IARC.