The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently issued a statement in The Lancet Public Health, emphasizing that there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption that does not impact health. The comprehensive evaluation of alcohol's risks reveals its classification as a Group 1 carcinogen, alongside substances like asbestos, radiation, and tobacco.

Alcohol, regardless of type or quality, is identified as the culprit behind at least seven types of cancer, including common forms like bowel and breast cancer. The risk of developing cancer significantly rises with increased alcohol consumption, with even "light" and "moderate" levels contributing to half of alcohol-attributable cancers in the WHO European Region.

Contrary to previous discussions about a "safe" level of alcohol use, the WHO clarifies that current scientific evidence cannot pinpoint a threshold below which alcohol's carcinogenic effects do not manifest. Moreover, no conclusive studies demonstrate that potential cardiovascular and diabetes benefits of light to moderate drinking outweigh the associated cancer risks.

Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges from the WHO Regional Office for Europe emphasizes that health risks begin with the first drop of any alcoholic beverage. The more one drinks, the greater the harm, underscoring the principle that less alcohol consumption equates to a safer outcome.

Despite ongoing debates regarding alcohol's potential protective effects, Dr. Jürgen Rehm, a member of the WHO Advisory Council, notes that these suggestions are often influenced by comparison groups and statistical methods, lacking consideration for other relevant factors.

Globally, the WHO European Region exhibits the highest alcohol consumption and the highest proportion of drinkers. Over 200 million people in the region face the risk of developing alcohol-attributable cancer. Notably, disadvantaged populations experience higher rates of alcohol-related harm, emphasizing the need for a broader understanding of alcohol's impact on health.

In light of these findings, the WHO advocates for increased awareness, calling for cancer-related health information messages on alcoholic beverage labels, akin to tobacco products. Empowering health professionals to inform patients about alcohol-related cancer risks and fostering widespread awareness within communities are also emphasized as crucial steps in addressing the broader public health issue of alcohol-related harm.