Evidence strong that alcohol causes cancer

Evidence strong that alcohol causes cancer

The evidence that alcohol causes cancer in at least seven tissues of the body is outlined in a new paper by Professor Jennie Connor, published yesterday in the prestigious international journal ADDICTION.

The paper* concludes that the evidence alcohol causes cancer is strong for the following sites: oropharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum and breast. In contrast, the evidence that alcohol prevents cardiovascular disease is shown to be weak and a high degree of scepticism about the link is recommended.

“The alcohol industry can be relied on to do its best in casting doubt on this important public information” said Prof Doug Sellman, medical spokesperson for Alcohol Action NZ.

“The industry has consistently and irresponsibly fostered the belief that drinking alcohol is good for your health, while remaining completely silent about the strong link that alcohol has with cancer.”

“This is the tobacco industry all over again, with their renowned obfuscation of the truth about tobacco smoking and cancer”.

Prof Jennie Connor will be the main speaker in a series of public meetings on the topic - Alcohol Causes Cancer – in August as follows:

Monday 15 August – New Plymouth
Tuesday 16 August – Tauranga
Wednesday 17 August – Napier
Monday 22 August – Palmerston North
Tuesday 23 August – Timaru
Wednesday 24 August – Nelson

* Connor JL. Alcohol consumption as a cause of cancer. Addiction 2016 DOI: 10.1111/add.13477

ENDS

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