Alcohol Consumption A Leading Risk Factor For Cancer. But Awareness and Policy Response Remain Inadequate
Delhi 02 Feb – On World Cancer Day, countries, the World Health Organization and civil society – including Nada India – are joining forces to raise awareness of the global cancer burden and take further steps to better prevent and reduce cancer. The need to step up cancer prevention and control around the world is immense. For instance, the WHO warns that, if current trends continue, the world will see a 60% increase in cancer cases over the next two decades. [The greatest increase (an estimated 81%) in new cases will occur in low- and middle-income countries, where survival rates are currently lowest.] After tobacco (18%), alcohol is the second biggest cause of cancer – long before other risk factors such as infections (3%), physical inactivity, or sunlight. ”The fact that alcohol is a carcinogen has been clearly confirmed,” says [Insert name and organization]. “In fact, science knows since the 1980s that alcohol causes cancer. But we are concerned because public awareness and policy ...