A recent article published by The Standard and authored by Nuray Bulbul discussed research findings that demonstrate that pairing two straightforward messages, emphasizing the link between alcohol and cancer, and encouraging people to monitor their drink intake, alcohol consumption can be significantly reduced.
These findings originate from the randomized trial carried out by researchers at The George Institute for Global Health in Australia, which examined different combinations of “why to reduce” and “how to reduce” alcohol messaging. It was found that study participants who received both messages, the cancer-warning and drink counting, reported the largest reductions in their alcohol consumption. “Telling people alcohol causes cancer is just part of the solution — we also need to give them ways to take action to reduce their risk,” said Simone Pettigrew, professor and Head of Food Policy at The George Institute for Global Health.
As part of exploratory research, scientists surveyed over 1,200 drinkers about their use of the “count your drinks” method. They found that those who consistently monitored their alcohol intake reduced their consumption over time. Moreover, when applied on a larger scale, this approach could lead to a significant decrease in overall drinking levels. According to the study’s authors, combining awareness of cancer risk with the actionable step of counting drinks helps inform individuals about their risks, and also helps to equip them with a practical tool to take control.
Currently, ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks, is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen, since there is convincing evidence that it can cause cancer in humans. Research has demonstrated that drinking alcohol increases the risk of a number of cancers, including cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, and liver, as well as colorectal and breast cancers. Importantly, research also suggests there is no truly “safe” level of drinking when it comes to cancer.
