New push for alcohol warning labels

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Healthcare professionals Call again Increase awareness of the link between alcohol consumption and cancer through clearer warning labels, public health campaigns, and education in primary care settings.


This follows the results of a recent national survey of more than 2000 Australian adults which revealed only half understand the dangers of alcohol. Causes 7 types of cancer.


Implemented by Alcohol Change Australia, investigation It was revealed that less than half of respondents (46%) knew that alcohol causes cancer, and only 14% knew that alcohol causes cancer. It may cause breast cancer.


These findings: Other various research This suggests that despite the well-established link between cancer and alcohol, Australians still lack this knowledge. Over 30 years ago.


Dr Hester Wilson is a GP in Sydney and the RACGP Chair of Specialist Addiction Medicine. NewsGP these Repeated findings emerge again The need for better awareness of the harms associated with all levels of alcohol consumption.


“As general practitioners, obviously that's part of our role in terms of preventive care,” she said.


“And those conversations about patients' habits and lifestyles, including nutrition, exercise, smoking, alcohol and other behaviors, are at the very core of what we do.”


Dr Wilson said that while the risk of harm from dangerous and addictive use of alcohol is known to be high, many people may not be aware that even much lower amounts considered to be “safe drinking levels” can cause harm.


“I feel like this is a really well-kept secret that people don't realize,” she said.


“For example, alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer, so anything we can do as women to reduce our risk is a good thing.”


“It's a really important role for us as GPs to warn people that alcohol increases the risk of cancer.”


“At low levels of drinking, people are not addicted and can change their behaviour and it's a choice.”


Alcohol is still The most widely used and harmful drugs By 2022-23, almost one in three Australians (6.6 million people) will be drinking alcohol in a way that is unhealthy for their health.

Alcohol Change Australia's survey found that 39 per cent of respondents were drinking alcohol at risk levels and knowledge of the link between alcohol and cancer was lower among men, younger Australians, those living in regional areas and those from lower-income households.


What’s more, seven in 10 agree that the government needs to do more to raise awareness of and reduce the harm caused by alcohol.


The report, backed by health organisations including the Cancer Council, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation and the Alcohol Research and Education Foundation, calls for the introduction of “clear and visible” health warning labels on all alcohol products as part of a national strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm and prevent cancer.


Dr Wilson thinks it would be a good idea to put warning labels on all alcohol products to help people make informed choices.

“Now is a good time to look back and consider the law on how current labels are used and ensure they provide information,” she said.


“Health warnings, if any, should be displayed on the product regardless of how it is purchased, including online purchases, and should be freely available and available for review.”


“This includes any warnings about cancer risk, similar to cigarette labeling.”


Promoting healthy lifestyle and behavioural changes comes naturally to GPs, and alcohol risk warnings could be integrated into annual health checks, Dr Wilson says.


“Some GPs worry that talking about alcohol may make patients uncomfortable, but there is little evidence that this is the case and, in fact, patients expect us to talk about matters relating to their health,” she said.


“But it's important to tell them why you're asking and ask for permission. What I always say is, 'As your GP, I'm concerned about your health and well-being, and we know that certain lifestyle behaviours can impact on your health, so is it okay to talk about that?'


“This is an opportunity. We have access to the majority of our population and they trust us. We take the time to see them. We're in a really blessed situation.”


“So, I want to ask you these things: Did you know that even small amounts of alcohol can increase your risk of cancer?”


“We all know time is tight, but prevention is at the heart of what we do.”



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alcohol Australia Cancer risk Harm Reduction Preventive Medicine Warning Label