WHO Warns: Alcohol Behind Thousands of Cancer Cases and Billions in Losses Across Europe

October 14, 2025 — Geneva:
Alcohol consumption is driving a surge in cancer cases across Europe and costing the region billions of euros each year, according to a new report from the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The report reveals that alcohol was responsible for over 111,000 new cancer cases in the European Union in 2020, making it one of the leading preventable causes of cancer on the continent. Globally, the number reached 741,000 cases, with men accounting for nearly 70% of these diagnoses.

Beyond the devastating health impact, the economic burden is equally alarming — alcohol-related cancer deaths cost Europe €4.58 billion in 2018, according to WHO estimates.

Dr. Gundo Weiler, head of prevention and health promotion at WHO Europe, stated that alcohol is exacting an unacceptable toll: “Europe is paying too high a price for preventable cancers, broken families, and economic losses. Disease and death should never be seen as part of cultural heritage.”

How Alcohol Causes Cancer

Alcohol has been classified as carcinogenic since 1988, and WHO confirms it increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer — including cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, colon, and breast.

Researchers link alcohol’s cancer-causing effects to DNA damage, oxidative stress, and altered hormone levels, as well as changes in the gut microbiome caused by ethanol and its toxic byproduct, acetaldehyde.

Even moderate drinking — defined as fewer than two drinks per day — was associated with over 100,000 new cancer cases worldwide in 2020. The risk rises significantly with “risky” (2–6 drinks/day) and “heavy” (over 6 drinks/day) consumption.

Policy Changes Can Save Lives

For the first time, the IARC evaluated the potential benefits of reducing alcohol consumption to prevent cancer — and the evidence is clear. Countries with strong alcohol-control policies see lower cancer rates.

The report recommends measures such as:

• Increasing alcohol taxes and minimum pricing
• Raising the legal drinking age
• Restricting marketing, sales hours, and outlet density
• Introducing government-controlled alcohol sales

A 2021 study showed that doubling alcohol taxes could prevent up to 6% of alcohol-related cancer cases and deaths in the WHO European region.

Dr. Béatrice Lauby-Secretan of IARC emphasized, “There is no safe level of alcohol consumption. Awareness and strong policies can save thousands of lives every year.”