A new study by researchers at the University of Sydney has revealed that alcohol consumption is responsible for more cancers in Australia than previously estimated. The findings, published in the British Journal of Cancer, challenge the common assumption that moderate drinking is harmless.
Study Details
The researchers analyzed drinking patterns among over 225,000 participants in the 45 & Up Study cohort in New South Wales, Australia's largest ongoing study of health and aging. They found that for every 10 drinks consumed per week, the risk of developing cancer increased by 19 percent.
Lead author Dr. Peter Sarich from the Cancer Elimination Collaboration in the School of Public Health stated, "Our study estimates that around 4.6 percent of all cancers in Australia are caused by alcohol consumption, higher than previous estimates. Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of developing cancer by 19 percent." Previous estimates had ranged from 2.8 percent to 4.1 percent.
Cancer Risk by Type
The study linked every 10 drinks per week to specific cancer risks:
- Upper aerodigestive tract cancer (mouth, throat, larynx, and esophagus): 27 percent increase
- Colorectal cancer: 16 percent increase
- Liver cancer: 46 percent increase
- Breast cancer: 18 percent increase
Overall, more than 7,800 cancer cases in Australia in 2024 were attributed to alcohol, representing 4.6 percent of all cases.
Impact of Guidelines
The study also examined drinking patterns against the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines, which recommend a maximum of 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four drinks on any one day to reduce alcohol-related harm. Dr. Sarich noted, "If everyone in Australia followed the NHMRC alcohol guidelines and consumed no more than 10 standard drinks per week, we estimate that the number of alcohol-related cancer cases diagnosed each year would fall by more than 3,700." However, he added that even low levels of consumption increase cancer risk over time, emphasizing that the fewer drinks consumed, the lower the risk.
Public Awareness
The researchers contributed to the development of the new Cancer Institute NSW alcohol and cancer risk tool. Dr. Sarich highlighted a gap in public knowledge: "Studies show that only around half the population is aware that alcohol causes cancer – and far fewer are aware that common cancers such as breast cancer are strongly associated with alcohol consumption. This new evidence strengthens the case to promote informed choices to reduce alcohol consumption levels that will bring down cancer incidence in Australia."
The study underscores the importance of reducing alcohol intake as a key strategy for cancer prevention, with the message that every drink counts.
