Alcohol and cancer: New data shows South Australians still unaware of the risk

New research from Cancer Council SA released today shows that 2 in 3 (63%) South Australians don’t adequately perceive alcohol as being an important risk factor for cancer.

Cancer Council SA is launching a campaign today which aims to raise awareness in the community that alcohol can cause cancer and encourage people to reduce their drinking to reduce their cancer risk.

This research used data from the 2023 South Australian Population Health Survey Module System, which asked South Australians how they rate the importance of alcohol in increasing a person’s risk of getting cancer.

9.7 per cent of those surveyed rated drinking alcohol as not at all important, 13 per cent rated drinking alcohol as slightly important, and 33 per cent rated drinking alcohol as moderately important as a risk factor for cancer. A further 7.3 per cent said they didn’t know if it was a risk factor or not.

Evidence shows that alcohol is a Class 1 carcinogen and that it can cause seven different types of cancer including cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, bowel, liver and breast (female).

Cancer Council SA Senior Manager Prevention Christine Morris says that with around 5,800 new cancer cases diagnosed every year in Australia due to alcohol use, it’s very concerning that South Australians aren’t aware of the health impacts of drinking alcohol.

“The alcohol industry plays a significant role in shaping our attitudes towards drinking alcohol, often framing drinking as an accepted part of Australian culture,” Christine said.

“When it comes to cancer risk, there is no safe level of drinking. The more you drink, the greater your risk. And it doesn’t matter what type of alcohol you drink – whether it’s beer, wine or spirits – the risk is the same.”

“If you do choose to drink, we recommend South Australians follow the National Alcohol Guidelines, to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol, of no more than four standard drinks on any one day and no more than 10 standard drinks per week.”

The new awareness campaign launching today is called ‘Spread’ as it features an impactful and thought-provoking video of a glass of red wine falling over and spreading to the parts of the body where cancer can occur.

Cancer survivor, Becky Hirst was the founder of ‘Mummy’s Wine Club’ until she started to notice the impact alcohol was having on her own health.

“I was well-meaning. Back then, we celebrated wine culture as a way to unwind, connect, and reclaim a sense of identity in parenting. It really brought people together,” Becky said.

“But I started experiencing blackouts. It scared me. I was worried about what alcohol might be doing to my brain.”

In late 2019, Becky made the decision to quit drinking. She’s now been sober for four and a half years. Then, last year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Of course, it’s hard to ever know exactly what caused it. But when I learnt that alcohol is a known cause of cancer – it hit me. I honestly didn’t know. Like so many people, I thought it was just about moderation, hangovers, and liver health. I never connected it to cancer.”

South Australians can learn more about the ‘Spread’ alcohol campaign and watch the video here.