In recent years, the link between alcohol and cancer has gained more traction in global public health discussions. While this connection is not new, the work of several organizations has helped bring it into sharper focus. This editorial looks at some of the recent campaigns and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the alcohol-cancer link—efforts that are gradually changing how society views alcohol consumption and its risks.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) Europe’s Redefine Alcohol campaign is one such effort. The campaign challenges the social norms that often downplay the health risks of alcohol use. By focusing on alcohol’s role as a risk factor for cancer, the campaign urges the public and policymakers to rethink common perceptions around drinking. This is not about fearmongering; it's about providing clarity on what science has consistently shown—that even moderate alcohol use can increase cancer risk.

 

Another important initiative is the NCD Alliance’s Global Week for Action on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) 2024. While not specifically about alcohol and cancer, this campaign brings attention to all preventable NCDs, including cancers linked to lifestyle factors like alcohol use. A key part of this initiative is an open letter to world leaders, urging governments to fulfill their commitments to address the burden of NCDs. The letter calls on Member States to take decisive action at the Fourth UN High-level Meeting on NCDs in September 2025. Open to civil society endorsement, including both organizations and individuals, this letter will be delivered to world leaders next year. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing preventable NCDs and ensuring that all risk factors, including alcohol, are part of broader public health discussions.

 

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Cancer Progress Report 2024 also plays a key role in keeping the alcohol-cancer conversation going. The report highlights advances in cancer research, prevention, detection, and treatment, emphasizing the progress made over the last year while advocating for continued funding to drive research forward. With cancer diagnoses on the rise in the United States, the AACR stresses that a multifaceted approach is essential to tackle this public health crisis. The report outlines several positive trends, including a 33% decline in overall cancer mortality between 1991 and 2021, thanks to public health campaigns and policy initiatives like smoking cessation and early detection. However, it also raises concerns about the increasing prevalence of modifiable risk factors, such as obesity, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption. Notably, 40% of all cancers in the United States are linked to modifiable risk factors, highlighting the need for public health interventions to reduce these risks. The AACR report specifically sheds light on the often-overlooked connection between alcohol and cancer, noting that 5.4% of cancers diagnosed in 2019 were linked to alcohol use. Despite this, public awareness remains low, with over half of Americans unaware of the risk alcohol poses for cancers like colorectal cancer. The report emphasizes that reducing alcohol intake can lower cancer risk, with potential reductions of 8% in alcohol-related cancers and 4% in overall cancer risk. It underscores the need for public health campaigns, clinical interventions, and strategies like alcohol warning labels to raise awareness and encourage healthier choices.

 

Lastly, the collaborative effort between Alko and the WHO at a national level in Finland has further emphasized the importance of public awareness about the alcohol-cancer link. Alko, Finland’s alcohol monopoly, has partnered with the WHO to educate the public on alcohol-related cancer risks through targeted campaigns. This kind of collaboration—where national bodies work with international organizations—helps ensure that consistent messages about health risks reach diverse audiences, reinforcing the idea that reducing alcohol consumption is a key step in cancer prevention.

 

These campaigns and initiatives reflect a growing understanding across different sectors that addressing alcohol consumption is essential for effective cancer prevention. They are not flashy or revolutionary, but they are part of a steady, evidence-based effort to bring alcohol’s health risks into focus. By supporting these initiatives and spreading their messages, we can help shift attitudes, influence policies, and ultimately reduce the burden of alcohol-related cancers in our societies.