For the first time in the European Parliament, the MEPs Against Cancer (MAC) interest group hosted a meeting to evaluate the cancer hazards of alcoholic beverages, and the potential impact of this knowledge on alcohol-related policy in order to address concerns over a lack of public awareness about he carcinogenicity of alcohol.
MEPs, scientists, representatives from cancer leagues in Europe, DG SANCO and NGOs all voiced their support for immediate action to raise awareness about the health risks of alcohol consumption, especially amongst young people, in relation to cancers of the pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, breast and colorectum.
Despite research dating back to 1987 that conclusively indicates the carcinogenicity of all alcoholic beverages, the connection between alcohol and cancer is often not made in consumer’s minds. On the contrary, a Eurobarometer report in 2010 found that 1 in 10 European citizens do not know that there is even a connection between alcohol and cancer. The same study also indicated that 1 in 5 citizens do not believe that there is a connection between cancer and the drinks that millions of us enjoy every week.
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