Alcohol and Cancer: policy recommendations to reduce the negative public health impacts of alcohol

Abstract Issue There is strong evidence that consuming alcohol increases the risk of seven types of cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death due to alcohol consumption in the EU, accounting for a third of Europe's alcohol-attributable deaths. Public awareness of the links between alcohol and cancer remains very low, and many countries lack policies that support population-level reduction of alcohol consumption. The alcohol industry exacerbates this problem, and use a range of political, legal, and economic tactics to avoid regulation. Methods WCRF International has developed the Alcohol and Cancer Risk policy position to provide policymakers and governments with best-practice alcohol control policies. When implemented, these evidence-based policies can help reduce alcohol consumption and the risk of cancer, and support governments address commercial determinants of alcohol and reduce their negative impact on public health. A review of evidence, global recommendations, and existing and proposed policies was conducted to determine a set of best-practice policies. Recommendations were reviewed by public health and alcohol policy experts. Results WCRF International's alcohol policy recommendations adopt a multi-sectoral approach and include five policy areas: 1) implementing fiscal measures to make alcohol less affordable and accessible; 2) restricting the physical availability of alcohol; 3) implementing mandatory health warning labels; 4) restrictions on promotions, advertisements and marketing of alcohol products; and 5) updating national guidance on alcohol and health. Lessons WCRF International's alcohol policy recommendations provide concise guidance to improve alcohol control and increase public awareness. It also offers guidance on language, conflicts of interest, and no- and low-alcohol products. The recommended policies are applicable to all countries, at the national or subnational level, and support the prioritization of public health over industry profits. Key messages • WCRF International’s recommended alcohol control policies can support a reduction in cancer risk and increase public awareness that alcohol is a health-harming product. • When implemented, alcohol control policies can support governments in addressing the commercial determinants of alcohol and reduce their negative impact on public health.