22.01.2025 - It’s not just heavy drinkers who are at risk of alcohol-related illnesses, warns the Danish Cancer Society (Kræftens Bekæmpelse).
Alcohol can be harmful to health in large quantities—a fact that likely won’t surprise most people. However, few Danes associate alcohol with cancer, and most are unaware that even a small amount of alcohol can increase the risk of developing the disease.
When Danes are asked which illnesses and conditions alcohol increases the risk of, only 28% mention cancer. Even fewer—just 20%—believe that cancer risk increases at consumption levels of 0-10 units per week. These findings come from a new survey conducted by the Danish Cancer Society.
“Those 20% are correct. If you want to be completely sure you are not increasing your risk of cancer due to alcohol, you should avoid drinking alcohol entirely. The risk rises with the amount of alcohol consumed, and drinking 15 units per week is, of course, far worse than drinking just a couple,” says Anne Tjønneland, senior researcher at the Danish Cancer Society.
The survey, conducted among approximately 3,000 Danes aged 18-74, examines knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding alcohol consumption.
The "10-4" guideline provides a helpful benchmark
The Danish Health Authority recommends consuming no more than 10 units of alcohol per week and no more than four units on a single day. While even consumption below these guidelines can increase cancer risk, the Danish Cancer Society considers them a good reference point for those not ready to abstain completely:
“You have a low risk of developing cancer due to alcohol if you stay within the limits set by the Danish Health Authority,” says Anne Tjønneland.
Alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer
The survey also asked Danes to identify which cancers are linked to alcohol consumption. The correct answers include cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx, breast, liver, and colon/rectum.
There are significant differences in public awareness of these cancer types. For example, many respondents associate alcohol with liver cancer, while only 12% link alcohol to breast cancer.
Greater awareness about alcohol and cancer is needed
The Danish Cancer Society is committed to increasing public knowledge about the link between alcohol and cancer.
“Ultimately, it’s a personal choice how much alcohol to consume. But we want to give Danes the opportunity to make informed decisions about their alcohol use,” says Anne Tjønneland.
According to the survey, 76% of Danes believe more information is needed about alcohol’s role in increasing cancer risk.
About the survey
The findings in this press release are based on a survey of 3,023 Danes aged 18-74, conducted by research firm Voxmeter from May 6 to June 24, 2024. The data is nationally representative by gender, age, and region. The results are published in a memo available here: Befolkningens viden om sammenhængen mellem alkohol og kræft.
Additional findings from the survey will be published in the report Alkoholvaner i Danmark 2024 in November 2025. The Danish Health Authority provided financial support for the data collection.
Source: Cancer.dk
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