Many more women need to be informed about the direct links between alcohol and breast cancer
As the world marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is worth noting that according to a recent study, only 21% of women across 14 European countries were aware of the direct link between alcohol use and the risk of developing breast cancer – a risk that starts already with low levels of alcohol consumption.
Alcohol is linked to over 200 diseases, among them at least seven types of cancer, including breast and colon cancers. Alcohol is currently directly responsible for 8.8% – almost 1 in 10 – of total deaths in the European Region.
Yet despite these serious health risks and damaging outcomes, less than half of Europeans are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer.
A new campaign by the WHO Regional Office for Europe aims to change that.
Closing the knowledge and awareness gap
That is why the Regional Office has launched a new regional campaign to close this information gap by sharing the latest research on alcohol’s health impacts and encouraging open discussions about the often-overlooked harms.
“Redefine alcohol” calls on Europeans to reflect on the role alcohol plays in their personal lives and in wider society, urging a reconsideration of alcohol’s role in daily life, celebrations and traditions.
Beyond its physical effects, alcohol contributes to wider societal problems, too,” explains Dr Gauden Galea, Strategic Advisor to the WHO Regional Director for Europe and Director of the Special Initiative on Noncommunicable Diseases and Innovation.
Alcohol consumption is a key contributor to violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, road injuries and other forms of harm that affect not only [alcohol consumers] but their families and communities more widely.”
Dr Gauden Galea, Strategic Advisor to the WHO Regional Director for Europe and Director of the Special Initiative on Noncommunicable Diseases and Innovation
Redefine alcohol: WHO’s urgent call for Europe to rethink alcohol’s place in society
“Redefine alcohol” is more than a campaign – it is a call to action inviting people to rethink the role alcohol plays in their lives and communities, learn more about alcohol and health risks, and consider the benefits of consuming less alcohol or not at all.
“Redefine alcohol” is informed by the latest research and evidence from the field, expert consultations, and the involvement of people with lived experience, youth perspectives and communities.
The new WHO Europe initiative encourages people across Europe to reflect on what narratives and myths exist around alcohol and to rethink them.
Questioning the alcohol norm and creating healthier environments
In Europe, alcohol consumption is frequently regarded as deeply ingrained in culture and seen as an essential component of celebrations, socializing, and even daily life.
This alcohol norm hinders people’s recognition of the full and real extent of alcohol harm.
People do not realize that the effects of alcohol go far beyond the immediate aftermath of a night out, with devastating health, social and economic consequences for many people. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the hidden risks linked with alcohol, inspire a shift towards embracing the benefits of reducing or quitting alcohol consumption, and encourage deeper reflection on why alcohol is so embedded in our society.
In today’s Europe, alcohol is often too cheap, available everywhere and all the time, and aggressively marketed.
Are you ready to redefine alcohol? Start by discovering the facts and the stories!
WHO Europe, Redefine Alcohol initiative
Be part of the change – redefine alcohol!”
WHO Europe says it is time to recognize alcohol’s profound impact on our health and communities, and discover how consuming less alcohol or going alcohol-free can lead to greater mindfulness, more memories, and a fuller life.
Whether by reducing intake or going alcohol-free, there is a growing movement that prioritizes health, well-being, and meaningful connections, in settings where alcohol has no role to play.
The hidden harms and long-term effects of alcohol
Alcohol causes over 200 diseases and injuries. About 40 of them would not exist at all without alcohol.
Beyond merely a hangover, the short- and long-term effects of alcohol can be severe, including alcohol-related violence and injuries, heart disease, digestive issues, and an increased risk of at least 7 types of cancer, including breast and colon cancers.
Only around half of Europeans are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer, despite it being one of the leading cancer risk factors.
Even small amounts of alcohol can increase cancer risk, which highlights the importance of understanding these lesser known harms.
The benefits of consuming less alcohol or going alcohol-free
Reducing alcohol use or going alcohol-free can lead to immediate and long-term benefits for people’s health and well-being. Consuming less alcohol or staying alcohol-free can improve sleep quality, memory, and mental clarity, allowing people to fully enjoy life’s moments. It also significantly lowers the risk of chronic diseases, including cancers due to alcohol.
Alcohol impacts more than just the individual; it has far-reaching effects on families, communities, and society at large. Reducing alcohol consumption in our societies will mean fewer injuries, drownings, suicides, as well as less violence in all its forms, including sexual and gender-based violence.
It is time to pause, reflect, and recognize that reducing alcohol consumption can profoundly improve health and create a safer, happier Europe.
Creating a supportive environment for change
When it comes to alcohol, individual choices are important, but not enough. We need a supportive environment, shaped by strong policy-makers, robust regulations, and collective community action to protect everyone. A shift in understanding alcohol and its impact is essential, since real and sustainable change is driven by policies that limit alcohol availability, advertising, and affordability. By creating an environment that fosters healthier decisions, we make it easier for people to reduce their alcohol-related risks and move towards a healthier future.
Campaign material
Find, download, and use all Redefine Alcohol campaign materials for free, here.
The campaign material page by WHO Europe provides, fact sheets, social media assets (in different languages), as well as films and animations.
Source Website: United Nations Regional Information Center for Western Europe