Ishita Roy

These Countries Tell You That Alcohol Causes Cancer

Alcohol Can Cause Cancers

In 1998, the World Health Organization concluded that alcohol is carcinogenic to humans. It causes harm to humans and this harm has also been well-documented. A carcinogen is a substance, organism, or agent that can cause <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a>, while it is found in the environment like sunlight, viruses or in fumes and smoke, it is also found in alcohol. Which is why even in 2023, the WHO reported that there is no safe limit in drinking alcohol.

A discussion on alcohol is coming to light now more than ever because the US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy released a new<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/alcohol-is-the-reason-for-7-different-cancers-says-us-surgeon-general-article-151115242" data-type="tilCustomLink"> Surgeon General Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk</a>. This outlines the direct link between alcohol consumption and increased risk of cancer. Just as with the labels of cigarettes, Surgeon General is calling for cancer risk warnings on alcohol.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol consumption is the 3rd leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States. The first two are tobacco and obesity. The report that the US Surgeon General's office released talks about at least 7 types of cancers that could be caused due to alcohol consumption. These 7 types of cancers include <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/breast-cancer-awareness-month-what-are-the-four-stages-of-breast-cancer-article-151044768" data-type="tilCustomLink">breast cancer</a>, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/what-are-colorectal-cancers-is-it-different-from-colon-cancer-article-151112192" data-type="tilCustomLink">colon cancer</a>, throat cancer, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/the-most-common-liver-cancer-in-adults-is-on-the-rise-article-151069421" data-type="tilCustomLink">liver cancer</a>, voice box cancer, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/why-indias-fourth-most-common-cancer-is-a-growing-concern-article-151069664" data-type="tilCustomLink">esophagus cancer</a>, and mouth cancer.

While <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/health-experts-in-canada-too-are-pushing-for-warning-labels-on-alcoholic-beverages-article-151115581" data-type="tilCustomLink">Canada </a>is not mandated to include the labelling, health experts there too are welcoming this recommendation to promote a healthier life. It is only possible when people are aware of what they are consuming.

It may be a new advisory for the US and Canada to follow, there are countries which have been following health labels on alcohol, these include:

In 2016, the country mandated groups of labels for alcohol, some of them included warnings on liver cancer. As per WHO, South Korea ranked high among countries for alcohol consumption. 

As per a rule which was signed into law in 2023, Ireland would become the first nation to mandate the public linking of any level of drinking to cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund reported that by 2026, labels that read There Is A Direct Link Between Alcohol And Fatal Cancers, and Drinking Alcohol Causes Liver Disease in red capital letters will be required in all containers of beer, wine and liquor sold in Ireland.

In fact, in 2022, the country also imposed a minimum price on alcohol to reduce serious illness and death from alcohol consumption.

While Norway does not have labels on its alcoholic beverage, there are regulations that restricts beer sales to before 8 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on Saturdays. As per the local media, the country too is developing proposals to include cancer warnings on alcoholic beverages.

As per The Bangkok Post, Thailand too is working on regulation for labels to include on alcoholic beverages. The labels will contain graphic images and text warnings such as alcoholic beverages can cause cancer.

While Canada is welcoming the suggestion, Britain too has endorsed the idea that there is no safe level in drinking. Other countries where alcohol consumption is high, like in Russia, efforts are being made to spread awareness among the population to tell them about the direct link between cancers and alcoholic beverages.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

alcohol cancer

cancer

us surgeon general

cancer and alcohol

breast cancer

alcohol

illinois-governor-claims-trump-continues-to-suffer-from-dementia

Illinois Governor Claims Trump Continues To Suffer From Dementia

can-ozempic-like-glp-1-drugs-slow-aging-boost-longevity

Can Ozempic-Like GLP-1 Drugs Slow Aging, Boost Longevity?

cyclospora-parasite-spreads-across-17-us-states-how-to-prevent-parasitic-infection

Cyclospora Parasite Spreads Across 17 US States: How To Prevent Parasitic Infection

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

In 1998, the World Health Organization concluded that alcohol is carcinogenic to humans. It causes harm to humans and this harm has also been well-documented. A carcinogen is a substance, organism, or agent that can cause cancer, while it is found in the environment like sunlight, viruses or in fumes and smoke, it is also found in alcohol. Which is why even in 2023, the WHO reported that there is no safe limit in drinking alcohol. A discussion on alcohol is coming to light now more than ever because the US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy released a new Surgeon General Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk. This outlines the direct link between alcohol consumption and increased risk of cancer. Just as with the labels of cigarettes, Surgeon General is calling for cancer risk warnings on alcohol.As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol consumption is the 3rd leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States. The first two are tobacco and obesity. The report that the US Surgeon General's office released talks about at least 7 types of cancers that could be caused due to alcohol consumption. These 7 types of cancers include breast cancer, colon cancer, throat cancer, liver cancer, voice box cancer, esophagus cancer, and mouth cancer. While Canada is not mandated to include the labelling, health experts there too are welcoming this recommendation to promote a healthier life. It is only possible when people are aware of what they are consuming. It may be a new advisory for the US and Canada to follow, there are countries which have been following health labels on alcohol, these include:South KoreaIn 2016, the country mandated groups of labels for alcohol, some of them included warnings on liver cancer. As per WHO, South Korea ranked high among countries for alcohol consumption. IrelandAs per a rule which was signed into law in 2023, Ireland would become the first nation to mandate the public linking of any level of drinking to cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund reported that by 2026, labels that read There Is A Direct Link Between Alcohol And Fatal Cancers, and Drinking Alcohol Causes Liver Disease in red capital letters will be required in all containers of beer, wine and liquor sold in Ireland. In fact, in 2022, the country also imposed a minimum price on alcohol to reduce serious illness and death from alcohol consumption.NorwayWhile Norway does not have labels on its alcoholic beverage, there are regulations that restricts beer sales to before 8 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on Saturdays. As per the local media, the country too is developing proposals to include cancer warnings on alcoholic beverages.ThailandAs per The Bangkok Post, Thailand too is working on regulation for labels to include on alcoholic beverages. The labels will contain graphic images and text warnings such as alcoholic beverages can cause cancer.Others CountryWhile Canada is welcoming the suggestion, Britain too has endorsed the idea that there is no safe level in drinking. Other countries where alcohol consumption is high, like in Russia, efforts are being made to spread awareness among the population to tell them about the direct link between cancers and alcoholic beverages.