Policy action needed on alcohol and cancer

Policy action needed on alcohol and cancer

A conference in Wellington on Alcohol and Cancer is the first of its kind in New Zealand. It is being held at Te Papa, on 17th June and is co-hosted by Alcohol Action NZ and the Cancer Society of New Zealand. The conference will raise awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer, and bring key experts together to discuss actions to reduce alcohol-attributable cancers.

The Cancer Society of New Zealand’s CEO, Claire Austin, says “avoiding the harmful use of alcohol is a simple step you can take to reduce your chance of getting cancer”. The Cancer Society’s message is to do more activities that don’t involve drinking, delay drinking until over 18 or older, reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, and when you do drink consider switching to lower-strength alcoholic drinks.

It is well known that the more often young New Zealanders are exposed to alcohol marketing, the younger they are when they start drinking and the more they consume. [1] [2] This leads to an increased cancer risk later in life[3].

Research shows restricting access to alcohol and reducing marketing are highly effective in reducing consumption and harm. Alcohol Action New Zealand Spokesperson Doug Sellman says, “We are particularly concerned about the impact of alcohol on children and young people. If we want to protect young people, we need more effective alcohol policies”.

Further information about registrations and the conference can be found at www.alcoholaction.co.nz.

ENDS

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