A study published in JAMA Oncology showed that more than half of American adults (52.9%) are unaware that alcohol affects cancer development. 37.1% of adults recognize that there is a correlation between cancer risk and alcohol consumption, while 1% believe that drinking alcohol reduces the risk of cancer.
Despite the clear link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of developing cancer, public awareness of this is low in the US.
It was also found that people who recently consumed alcohol systematically and who believe that cancer cannot be prevented are more likely to think that drinking alcohol does not increase the risk of developing cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, in the same category as tobacco, asbestos, and radiation. Alcohol intake is linked to at least seven types of cancer. Approximately 5.5% of all new cancer diagnoses and 5.8% of deaths are attributed to drinking alcohol.
The level of awareness varies according to certain health-related and behavioral factors. The groups less informed about the effect of alcohol on cancer were:
- Current cigarette smokers.
- Individuals with lower education levels.
- Those who do not believe that cancer can be prevented.
The results of this study highlight the gap between scientific data and public awareness regarding alcohol as a carcinogenic risk factor. In such a situation, raising public awareness represents an essential lever for preventive measures.
