Almost 750,000 (4%) new cancer cases diagnosed worldwide in 2020 can be attributed to alcohol consumption, according to a new study led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
The Congress of the European Society of Medical Oncology – ESMO 2023 was recently held in Madrid. During the sessions, the representatives of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, drew attention that there is an urgent need to raise global awareness of the direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.
Global awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer remains very low. First, all health professionals, including oncologists, nurses, general practitioners and family doctors, must contribute to raising awareness in society.
According to data presented by IARC, almost half (46%) of the world’s population consumes alcohol, with higher rates among men (54%) than among women (38%). On average, globally, each alcohol drinker consumes about six liters of pure ethanol per year, equivalent to about one bottle of wine per week. However, alcohol consumption varies significantly by country – France, for example, averages about 12 liters per year or about two bottles of wine a week.
According to statistics published by the National Institute of Public Health in Romania, 67% of Romanians stated that they consumed alcohol at least once in 2019. On average, 1 Romanian drinks 12.6 liters of alcohol per year and only 2.6% of our country’s population recognizes alcohol addiction.
According to the data from IARC European Code Against Cancerheavy drinking (more than 60 g/day or about six drinks a day) is responsible for 47% of alcohol-attributable cancers, while risky drinking (between 20 and 60 g/day) accounts for 29% , and moderate consumption (less than 20 g/day or about two drinks per day) contributes about 14% to alcohol-attributable cancers.
From left to right: 10 – 12 grams of pure alcohol (standard dose) are contained in 280 – 330 ml of beer, in 150 – 180 ml of champagne, in 30 – 40 ml of whiskey or very strong spirit, in 60 – 80 ml of liqueur and in 100 – 120 ml of red wine. Limiting consumption to a maximum of 2 drinks per day (1 for women) contributes significantly to lowering blood pressure. © IARC 2016
In addition to breast cancer, six other cancers – oral cavity, pharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal, colorectal and liver cancer – can be attributed to alcohol consumption, and emerging evidence suggests that stomach and pancreatic cancer may also be linked to this. The good news is that long-term trends show declines in alcohol consumption in many countries, even in famous wine-producing countries such as France and Italy, which have seen significant reductions in consumption since the 1920s.
One of the 12 recommendations of the European Code against Cancer refers to alcohol consumption: “If you consume alcohol of any kind, limit your intake. To prevent cancer it is better not to drink alcohol at all”. Various myths have circulated over the years regarding the benefits and risks associated with alcohol consumption. One of the most widespread opinions concerned the benefit that a glass of red wine consumed daily would bring to cardiovascular health. Current studies contradict these misconceptions and indicate that there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink.
Alcohol consumption is the third most frequent preventable risk factor. The most common cases of cancer associated with alcohol consumption are: cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx (responsible for 40.9% of cases), laryngeal, liver, esophageal cancer, breast, colon and rectal cancer.
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2023-10-27 16:19:26
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