Is the Shortest Route to Reducing Cancer "Not Having Another Drink"? ― What Impact Does Drinking Habits Have on Health?

On October 12, 2025, the Central African media outlet Tchadinfos reported that "alcohol consumption can increase the risk of seven types of cancer." The basis for this claim is research from the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) and others, estimating that in 2020, approximately 741,000 new cancer cases worldwide were related to alcohol consumption. The article also discusses how even "moderate" drinking can increase risk and references a model study suggesting that raising alcohol taxes could reduce cases and deaths by **about 6%**. Tchadinfos

Below, we will cross-reference primary sources (IARC, NCI, Lancet papers, etc.) and gather reactions from social media to organize **"what is fact, how we should think, and how we should act."**

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1) Scientific Consensus: "Alcohol is a Carcinogen (Group 1)"

In 1987, the IARC classified alcohol as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). Today, alcohol consumption is identified as a cause of cancer in at least the following seven sites.
Oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus (squamous cell), colon, liver (hepatocellular), and female breast.iarc.who.int

Alcohol-related cancers in 2020: approximately 741,000 cases. The largest breakdowns are esophageal cancer 190,000 cases, liver cancer 155,000 cases, and female breast cancer 98,000 cases.iarc.who.int

The NCI (National Cancer Institute) also presents a similar conclusion with **"strong scientific evidence", explaining a dose-response relationship where the risk increases with the amount consumed.National Cancer Institute

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2) "Is Moderate Drinking Safe?" — No Safe Lower Limit Confirmed

Summaries from the IARC and health authorities consistently lean towards **"no confirmed safe amount."** The sentiment of IARC researcher Harriet Rumgay, quoted in Tchadinfos ("no amount is completely harmless"), aligns with IARC's public relations and the conclusions of Lancet papers.Tchadinfos

In early 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General also stated that **"even small amounts increase cancer risk,"** proposing the introduction of **"cancer warning labels"** on alcoholic beverages. This has accelerated the international reevaluation of the "moderate drinking myth."TIMESTAT

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3) Policy Focus: Taxation, Warning Labels, Sales Regulation

Doubling alcohol taxes could prevent about 6% of alcohol-related cancers (new cases and deaths) in Europe—a joint model study by WHO Europe and IARC suggests. Price policies can reduce consumption and contribute to cancer prevention.The Lancet

In 2025, WHO proposed **"tobacco-style cancer warning labels"** in Europe. Ireland has taken the lead in implementation, and debates are accelerating in the UK and the US (with mixed opinions).Reuters

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4) Summary of Social Media Reactions (Pro and Con, by Issue)

 

① Public Health and Researcher Side:

• Official accounts of IARC and WHO Europe repeatedly emphasize "seven types of cancer," "taxation is effective," and "warning labels." Many researchers and epidemiologists support these messages.X (formerly Twitter)

② Medical and Patient Community:

• Breast and oral cancer patients and doctors are spreading awareness with messages like "I want to correct the misconception that 'wine is good for health'" and "I want to inform the younger generation."X (formerly Twitter)

③ General Users:

• Voices for lifestyle changes include "If there's a risk even with small amounts, I'll reduce weekday drinking" and "I'm glad there are more non-alcoholic options." Media reports have also helped.Bon Appétit

④ Industry, Conservative, and Skeptical Views:

• Concerns about "excessive fear-mongering" and "impact on culture and economy" are voiced, along with counterarguments based on articles emphasizing health benefits. Industry groups like the UK Portman Group are cautious about uniform labels.The Guardian

⑤ Reactions in the Japanese-speaking World:

• Following reports of the Surgeon General's recommendations, many articles support "clearly stating 'carcinogenic' on labels" and "revisiting the moderate drinking myth."Mynavi RESIDENT
  
  

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5) Key Points of Mechanisms (Why Does Drinking Cause Cancer?)

• Acetaldehyde: A metabolite of ethanol that damages DNA.

• Hormonal Environment: Increases breast cancer risk through elevated estrogen.

• Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Promotes carcinogenesis in the liver and digestive tract.

• Solvent Effect: Alcohol enhances the uptake of other carcinogens. These collectively create the phenomenon of **"the more you drink, the greater the danger,"** as summarized in public fact sheets.
  National Cancer Institute
  
  

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6) FAQs on Misunderstandings and Counterarguments

Q1. Is "Red Wine Good for Health" True?
A. While there was a time when cardiovascular observational studies suggested "benefits," cancer risk is different. Alcohol itself is a Group 1 carcinogen, and evidence strongly shows that even small amounts increase breast and upper respiratory tract cancers.National Cancer Institute

Q2. Is "Moderate Drinking Only on Weekends" Okay?
A. "The safe lower limit is unclear." The less you drink, the lower the risk, so days off from drinking and choosing non-alcoholic options are effective.National Cancer Institute

Q3. Can Policy Really Make a Difference?
A. Policies tightening price, availability, and advertising (taxes, sales hours/density, advertising restrictions) reduce alcohol consumption and have a ripple effect on cancer prevention—recommended by WHO/IARC.iarc.who.int

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7) Practical Guide for Consumers (What You Can Do Today)

1. Visualize Quantity: Understand the alcohol content in 350ml of beer = slightly less than a glass of wine = 1 cup of sake, and record the total weekly amount.

2. Non-Alcoholic Substitution: Set a rule to have only the first drink as non-alcoholic when dining out or drinking at home.

3. Trigger Management: Note stress, lack of sleep, and frequency