Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
As many as 4 percent or 1 in 25 cases cancer globally in 2020 is thought to be caused by consumption alcohol. This was found in a study published in the journal The Lancet Oncology, Wednesday (14/7).
There are more than 6.3 million cases of cancer in 2020. Starting from cancer of the mouth, esophagus, colon, rectum, liver, to breast, all of which have a relationship with alcohol consumption habits.
The researchers used data on sales, production, taxes, and alcohol consumption in a number of countries. The data was taken since 2010. Researchers predict it will take ten years for this habit to trigger the development of cancer cells.
The data above was collected to determine the daily alcohol consumption habits of the people in each country.
The result, launch AFP, researchers estimate that as many as 4 percent (741,300) of all new cancer cases worldwide in 2020 are thought to be caused by alcohol consumption. Men accounted for 77 percent and women 23 percent of them.
Studies have found this figure to vary widely across the world. Cases of cancer thought to be caused by alcohol consumption were found to be highest in Mongolia, China, Moldova, and Romania. While the lowest was found in Kuwait, Libya, and Saudi Arabia.
Some cancers are more commonly associated with habitual alcohol consumption. They include esophageal cancer (189,700 cases), liver cancer (154,700 cases), and breast cancer (98,300 cases).
“We urgently need to raise awareness about the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer risk,” said study author Harriet Rumgay, of the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Previously, research had shown that alcohol consumption can cause DNA damage and affect hormone production. Both can contribute to the development of cancer cells.
Rumgay said measures such as reducing the availability of alcoholic beverages, placing health warning labels, setting taxes and marketing restrictions could reduce the number of cancer cases caused by alcohol consumption.
(asr)
– .
