Australian researchers on Thursday revealed that alcohol consumption causes a higher proportion of cancers in Australia than previous estimates.

According to a statement from the University of Sydney, the study estimates that around 4.6 per cent of all cancers in Australia are caused by alcohol consumption, which also increases the risk of developing cancer by 19 per cent.

The research, published in the British Journal of Cancer, analysed alcohol consumption behaviour among 225,000 people in the Australian state of New South Wales’ 45 & Up Study.

The study’s lead author, Peter Sarich, from the University of Sydney School of Public Health, said, “Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Australia. While the science on the causes of cancer continues to evolve, the evidence is now clear that reducing alcohol consumption is an effective strategy for preventing cancer.”

Researchers estimated that over 7,800 cancer cases diagnosed in Australia in 2024 were attributable to alcohol, exceeding earlier estimates of between 2.8 per cent and 4.1 per cent.

The study found cancer risk rises with increased alcohol intake. For every 10 drinks consumed per week, the risk of cancer increased by 19 per cent.

The risk rose by 46 per cent for liver cancer, 27 per cent for cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx and oesophagus, 18 per cent for breast cancer, and 16 per cent for colorectal cancer, according to the study.

Mr Sarich said if Australians followed national guidelines of no more than 10 drinks per week, more than 3,700 alcohol-related cancer cases annually could be prevented.

He added that only around half the population is aware that alcohol causes cancer.

(Xinhua/NAN)