A new scientific review conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, released on 14 October, has warned that alcohol consumption is driving thousands of cancer cases across Europe and inflicting significant economic damage. The agency functions under the World Health Organization and evaluates carcinogenic risks.
The analysis specifically revealed that more than 111,000 new cancer cases in the European Union in 2020 were attributable to drinking. Globally, alcohol was responsible for approximately 741,000 new cases that same year, with men accounting for nearly 70 percent of the identified burden, thereby reflecting entrenched alcohol consumption patterns.
It is also worth mentioning that research referenced by the agency showed that even a moderate level of intake, defined as fewer than two drinks per day, contributed to more than 100,000 cancer cases worldwide in 2020. The assessment emphasized that no level of alcohol consumption has been determined safe in relation to cancer development risk.
Alcohol causes disease via several biological pathways. These include the conversion of ethanol into acetaldehyde which damages DNA. The review also cited oxidative stress, altered hormone regulation, disruption of the gut microbiome, and increased absorption of other carcinogens as contributing mechanisms to cancer in multiple organs throughout Europe.
The agency specified types of cancer. These include mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectum, and female breast cancers as definitively linked to alcohol consumption. It further stated that most attributable cases arise not only from heavy use but also from risky and moderate consumption across social and demographic groups in Europe.
Economic consequences were highlighted through an estimate that premature deaths from alcohol related cancers cost Europe approximately 4.58 billion euros in 2018. Take note that this figure formed part of a broader calculation of productivity losses associated with preventable mortality in European countries with longstanding drinking patterns.
Several experts cited in the review called for stronger government intervention to reduce consumption. Recommended policies include higher excise taxes, minimum unit pricing, stricter age limits, restrictions on licensing hours, tighter marketing rules, and health warning labels on alcoholic products to correct widespread unawareness of related cancer hazards.
FURTHER READINGS AND REFERENCES
- International Agency for Research on Cancer. 2024. Reduction or Cessation of Alcoholic Beverage Consumption: IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention Volume 20A. International Agency for Research on Cancer. ISBN: 978-92-832-3029-8. Available via PDF
- International Agency for Research on Cancer. 2025. Alcohol Policies: IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention Volume 20B. International Agency for Research on Cancer. ISBN: 978-92-832-4540-7. Available via PDF