Journal: Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology
This commentary reviews survey findings from National Cancer Institute–Designated Cancer Centers regarding their role in addressing alcohol as a cancer risk factor.
Key points:
- There is strong epidemiologic evidence that even moderate alcohol intake increases risk of several cancers, including breast and colorectal, yet public awareness of this link in the United States remains low.
- The authors highlight that resistance from the alcohol industry has impeded policy changes that might support alcohol-related cancer prevention.
- In the survey discussed, 86% of cancer centers reported feeling an obligation to educate the public about the cancer risks of alcohol, which is encouraging given that clinicians are highly trusted sources of health information.
- However, nearly half of these centers do not have policies that reduce or de-emphasize alcohol use at institution-sponsored events, signaling a gap between perceived responsibility and institutional practice.
- About half of respondents expressed some uncertainty about the strength or definitiveness of the current evidence linking alcohol and cancer, suggesting that skepticism about the literature may hinder stronger institutional action.
- Many centers indicated they might be influenced by learning about successful policies or strategies at peer institutions, implying that dissemination of best practices could help shift norms.
- The authors draw parallels to the history of tobacco control, suggesting that although progress is possible, substantial cultural, scientific, and industry-related barriers continue to slow efforts to fully integrate alcohol-related cancer risk into prevention policies and messaging.