A label warning consumers about alcohol's carcinogenic effects: a proposal from the United States
Institutional Communication Service
Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, following tobacco and obesity. For this reason, a proposal has been made in the U.S. to include information about the carcinogenic effects of alcohol on its labels, similar to the warnings already present on tobacco products. Professor Franco Cavalli, President of The Foundation for the Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), shared his thoughts on this proposal in an interview with RSI News.
"It is certainly true that alcohol is a factor that favours the development of tumours, especially those of the gastrointestinal tract and, in women, breast cancer," Professor Franco Cavalli explained. "However, it is important to clarify that alcohol promotes tumour development, but it does not have the same carcinogenic potency as tobacco or asbestos."
The two substances mentioned are harmful in any quantity. The debate regarding alcohol, however, still seems to be open: "Statistics suggest that consuming a maximum of one glass of alcohol per day for women and two glasses for men may not pose significant risks. However, other studies set stricter limits on what is considered safe. Ultimately, it is widely recommended that alcohol consumption be minimised as much as possible," commented Professor Cavalli.
Although almost ten years have passed since the World Health Organisation (WHO) included reducing alcohol consumption as one of twelve ways to prevent cancer, awareness of the connection between alcohol and cancer remains low.
The proposal to revise alcohol labelling in Europe has faced significant opposition and is currently at a standstill.
