Overview

• In late July, AIIMS oncologists formally recommended that the Indian government adopt mandatory, evidence-based cancer warnings for alcoholic beverages.
• They propose dual tobacco–alcohol labels listing specific cancer types linked to drinking, stating that no level of alcohol is risk-free, and directing consumers to seek medical advice.
• GLOBOCAN data cited by AIIMS show India’s cancer incidence climbed 36% from 2012 to 2022, with alcohol accounting for 4.7% of new cases and 6.6% of disease-adjusted life years.
• Researchers warn that co-use of alcohol and tobacco multiplies cancer risk—especially for pharyngeal and oral cancers—highlighting the need for reciprocative warnings.
• Despite WHO classifying alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, less than half of global drinkers recognize its cancer link, and trials in Canada and upcoming rules in Ireland indicate labels can curb consumption.