Health experts warn of rising alcohol-related cancers in India as WHO calls for warning labels

Health experts raised alarms on Feb 17 about the rising incidence of alcohol-related cancers in India, as the World Health Organization (WHO) recently urged for prominent health warning labels on alcoholic beverages to curb the growing threat.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer designated alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen decades ago, and the WHO classifies it as a poisonous, psychotropic, and dependence-producing chemical.

Group 1, the highest risk category for carcinogens, includes substances such as radiation, smoke, and asbestos.

“Alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer, with more than 20 types of cancer linked to alcohol use,” said Dr (Prof) Puneet Garg, vascular interventional radiologist and endovascular surgeon at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi.

Alcohol is most frequently associated with malignancies of the mouth, throat, food pipe, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreas. It also contributes to prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women.

“In India, alcohol-related cancers are becoming an increasing concern. Alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde—a toxic compound that can damage DNA and proteins—leading to mutations that initiate cancer development,” explained Dr Taraprasad Tripathy, Assistant Professor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

“Additionally, alcohol impairs the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients like folate and vitamins A, C, D, and E, which are vital for maintaining healthy cells and preventing cancer,” Dr Tripathy added.

Alcohol is a well-known carcinogen that is significantly contributing to the rise in cancer worldwide. According to the WHO, alcohol use is responsible for about 4% of cancer diagnoses globally.

A recent study published in The Lancet found that alcohol use was responsible for over 62,100 new cancer cases in India in 2020.

To combat the growing incidence of cancers such as those of the breast, liver, and colon, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently suggested placing cancer warnings on alcoholic beverages.

Such warnings could help consumers better understand the health risks associated with alcohol use, empowering them to make informed decisions.

Chronic alcohol use also weakens the immune system, reducing its ability to recognize and eliminate malignant cells, according to researchers.

Dr Tripathy further noted that alcohol consumption is linked to various cancers, each with distinct early warning signs.

Oral and pharyngeal cancer may be indicated by persistent mouth sores, unexplained bleeding, lumps or thickening in the cheek, difficulty swallowing, or a sore throat that doesn't go away.

Liver cancer can cause symptoms like abdominal swelling, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

Meanwhile, esophageal cancer may present with difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, chronic cough, or hoarseness.