• Health authorities launch awareness campaign as alarming knowledge gap emerges around alcohol’s cancer risks, with over 1,000 cases annually linked to drinking

New research from the Health Service Executive has revealed a concerning lack of public awareness about alcohol’s role as a cancer-causing agent, with only four in ten people understanding the connection between drinking and cancer risk.

The findings show that just 38% of people living in Ireland are aware that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk, whilst 76% know that smoking causes cancer. This knowledge gap persists despite alcohol being classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by health authorities.

Dr Breeda Neville, Specialist in Public Health Medicine with the HSE National Cancer Control Programme, said:

“Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen. This means that there is conclusive evidence that it causes cancer and places it in the same category as tobacco, asbestos and radiation. Alcohol causes at least 7 types of cancer: mouth, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), oesophagus, breast, bowel and liver cancer.”

The statistics paint a stark picture for Ireland, where approximately 1,000 alcohol-related cancer cases occur each year. According to the World Health Organisation, 40% of cancers are preventable through behaviour changes, including limiting alcohol intake, as even small amounts can increase cancer risk.

Research published in December 2024 by Healthy Ireland showed that 73% of people in Ireland drink alcohol, with consumption averaging 9.4 litres per capita for those over 15 years old in 2024.

Dr Neville emphasised the importance of informed choice:

“The public have a right to know that drinking alcohol, even at low levels, increases your risk of developing cancer, so that they can make informed decisions about their health.”

The HSE is responding to this knowledge gap with a comprehensive public awareness campaign. A detailed guide to alcohol and cancer is now available on hse.ie, whilst a social media campaign will run across HSE channels for the remainder of this year. Additional resources have been developed for healthcare settings.

For those seeking support or information about alcohol consumption, the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline is available on freephone 1800 459 459 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm) or by email at [email protected]. A self-assessment tool is available online, and the HSE Health and Wellbeing Podcast recently featured an episode titled “The Truth about Alcohol and Cancer.”

Further information and practical support for reducing alcohol consumption safely and effectively can be found at hse.ie/alcohol.