NCD Watch

Sobering Facts about Alcohol and Cancer

10 December 2024 (Tue)

There has been sufficient evidence in humans that alcohol causes cancer, alcohol is a group 1 carcinogen. The risk of cancer starts to increase even with low levels of alcohol consumption. The higher the level of alcohol consumption, the greater the risk of alcohol-associated cancers. However, public awareness of the link between alcohol consumption and cancer across the world was generally low.

The Population Health Survey 2020-22 conducted by the Department of Health (DH) showed that 15.7% of local persons aged 15 or above responded “don’t know” to the statement “alcohol consumption can cause cancer” and another 11.2% disagreed with this statement. The survey also revealed that 8.7% of them drank alcohol regularly (i.e. drink at least once a week).

Alcohol cessation can reverse some alcohol-related carcinogenic mechanisms (such as decrease deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage). Drinkers are urged to recognise the cancer risks and other harms associated with alcohol consumption and appreciate the health benefits of reducing or even stopping alcohol consumption.

To prevent health problems related to alcohol drinking, the DH has produced toolkits including a self-help booklet for drinkers to change their drinking habits for better health. To access the self-help booklet and other health educational materials pertaining to alcohol and health, please visit the Change for Health website of the DH.

The DH will continue to work with other government bureaux and departments, professional associations as well as community partners to enhance public education, build public awareness on the health effects of alcohol and promote early identification of at-risk drinkers for intervention to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Source: NCD Watch December 2024