Camilla Jessen
Many people still believe moderate drinking is harmless.
Despite decades of scientific research, the link between alcohol and cancer remains widely underestimated by the public.
Now, health experts are urging people to reconsider their drinking habits, emphasizing that no level of alcohol consumption is risk-free when it comes to cancer.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen back in 1988, recent surveys show that many people remain unaware of the connection — or believe that only heavy drinking poses a health threat.
“The idea that small amounts are safe — or even healthy — is a persistent myth,” says Ellen Brynskog of the Regional Cancer Centers in Cooperation (RCC) in a press release.
But the research is very clear: even moderate consumption increases the risk. People deserve to know this.
Clear Scientific Evidence
According to Brynskog and other experts, alcohol’s cancer-causing effects are no longer a matter of debate. Its role in the development of several cancers is well-established, including:
- Breast cancer, particularly in women
- Cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Even though the relative risk may be lower at small doses, it still exists — and it increases with every additional drink.
Public Awareness Lags Behind
A nationwide survey conducted in late 2024 among more than 4,500 adults revealed significant gaps in public knowledge. Notably:
- 9 out of 10 respondents were unaware that alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer
- 4 in 10 said they would consider drinking less if they knew the cancer connection
- A quarter said they would share this information with others if made aware
Experts see this as an important opportunity for education and prevention.
“The claim that ‘everything causes cancer’ is misleading,” Brynskog adds. “Unlike vague claims, the evidence linking alcohol and cancer is robust. This isn’t speculative science — it’s documented risk.”
A Global Health Challenge
Alcohol-related cancers account for thousands of new cases each year across the world.
In many countries, alcohol remains a normalized part of social life, and the risks are often overshadowed by more visible health campaigns focused on smoking, obesity, or processed foods.
Public health advocates argue that more transparency — especially around the cancer risks of alcohol — could help shift perceptions and reduce preventable cases.
Just as cigarette packages now carry health warnings, some experts believe alcohol labeling should include cancer warnings too.
It’s not about fear,” Brynskog says. “It’s about informed choices.