Overview

• The new WHO/IARC cancer-prevention handbook estimates 111,300 alcohol-attributable cancer cases and 93,000 deaths in the EU in 2020.
• Alcohol is confirmed to cause at least seven cancers, with 2020 burdens led by colorectal (~36,900 cases), breast (~24,200) and oral (~12,400) cancers.
• The report identifies the EU as the world’s highest-consuming subregion for alcohol and notes that cancer is now its leading cause of death.
• Recommended population measures include higher excise taxes, comprehensive advertising bans, restricted availability, increased purchase ages, and in some cases state retail control.
• WHO cites a large treatment gap and €4.58 billion in 2018 losses from premature deaths, says measurable gains can appear within about five years, and quotes Gundo Weiler rejecting alcohol as “cultural heritage.”