The International Agency for Research in Cancer has recognised alcohol as a Group 1 Carcinogen along with tobacco smoke and asbestos (the highest carcinogen rating) since 1988. This means there’s enough evidence to prove that alcohol causes cancer1.
There is no safe level of alcohol consumption in regard to cancer risk. The more you drink and the more often you drink, the greater the risk.
There is no evidence that alcohol consumption decreases your risk of cancer. Furthermore, there is no difference between types of alcoholic beverages (eg. wine, beer and spirits).
THE FACTS AND FIGURES
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In Australia it is estimated that 2997 new cases of cancer and 1376 deaths are directly caused by excessive alcohol consumption each year2.
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In 2008-09, 825 West Australians were admitted to hospital as a result of alcohol-related cancer, which resulted in 4642 bed days3.
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Each year in WA alone, more than 100 people die as a result of alcohol-related cancers4.
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Alcohol-related cancer can develop in many different parts of the body5.
| Cancer Site |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Head and neck
(oropharynx, oesophagus and larynx |
|
Head and neck
(oropharynx, oesophagus and larynx | Head and neck |
511 |
148 |
659 |
| Liver |
225 |
86 |
311 |
| Bowel |
479 |
410 |
889 |
| Female breast |
|
245 |
245 |
| TOTAL |
1215 |
889 |
2104 |
SOURCE: Chikritzhs, T. and Pascal, R. (2009) Cancer – another reason to think again about alcohol. Cancer Council Public Lecture Series. Perth Presentation, 24th August 2009There is no evidence that any level of drinking provides any protection against developing cancer. In order to remain at
low risk of alcohol-caused cancer, health experts recommend having no more than two
standard drinks on any day.
Links
Cancer Council WAResources
Alcohol and Cancer - Information for Health Professionals
References
1. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Monograhps on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans: alcohol drinking. Volume 44. Lyon: IARC. 1988
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and Asutralasioan Association of Cancer Registries 2008, Cancer in Australia: an overview 2008. Cancer Series no. 46. Cat no. CAN 42 Canberra: AIHW.
3. Epidemiology Branch Department of Health Western Australia. ABS Morbidity Data (1998-2007). Retrieved on March 11, 2010
4. Epidemiology Branch Department of Health Western Australia. ABS Mortality Data (1998-2007). Retrieved on March 24, 2010
5. Chikritzhs, T. and Pascal, R. (2009) Cancer – another reason to think again about alcohol. Cancer Council Public Lecture Series. Perth Presentation, 24th August 2009