Each year, 17,000 people in the UK receive a cancer diagnosis directly linked to alcohol consumption—that’s 46 people every single day. Alcohol, a proven risk factor for seven cancer types, has no safe level of consumption when it comes to cancer prevention. Yet, alcohol policy in England remains inadequate, leaving countless lives at risk and placing immense strain on the NHS. Tackling Alcohol Harm must become a priority to address this growing public health crisis.

The case for addressing alcohol harm has never been stronger. Alcohol-related deaths in England reached nearly 10,500 in 2023, a staggering 42% increase since 2019. Now, with over 18,000 more cancer cases predicted by 2035 due to increased high-risk drinking post-pandemic, it’s time for decisive action. Keir Starmer must put tackling alcohol harm at the forefront of government priorities.

Alcohol and Cancer

Alcohol is a recognised cause of several deadly cancers, including:

• Oesophagus cancer
• Mouth and throat cancer
• Breast cancer
• Liver cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Stomach cancer

The link between alcohol and cancer cannot be ignored. These facts highlight the urgent need to inform people about the risks of alcohol and help them make healthier choices. Awareness is crucial, but awareness alone is not enough—we need policies that actively reduce alcohol harm.

Why England Needs a National Alcohol Strategy

Unlike Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, England has not had a National Alcohol Strategy since 2012. This is unacceptable, given the increasing harm caused by alcohol. A renewed, evidence-based strategy is essential to protect public health and bring England in line with its devolved counterparts.

A National Alcohol Strategy for England should focus on three key areas for impactful policy action:

1. Labelling Alcohol Risk

Alcohol, despite being carcinogenic, is currently exempt from mandatory health warning labels. Unlike a bottle of orange juice, alcohol labels are not required to include basic information like nutritional content or calories. The Alcohol Health Alliance aptly points out that consumers have more clarity about soft drinks than they do about beverages that could harm their health.

Introducing mandatory, clear health warning labels that highlight cancer risks is a simple yet effective way to inform the public. Evidence shows that well-designed labels can prompt behaviour change, reducing alcohol consumption. To be effective, labels must:

• Include details about cancer risks, calories, and nutritional content
• Be plain, distinct, and mandatory
• Avoid non-informative phrases like “drink responsibly”

Additionally, the use of QR codes should be prohibited, as they often redirect users to alcohol producers’ websites, undermining the message by creating marketing opportunities.

2. Minimum Unit Pricing

Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) sets a baseline cost for alcohol, targeting the cheapest and strongest products that are often consumed by vulnerable groups. Scotland and Wales have both implemented MUP, with significant public health benefits.

• Scotland has seen alcohol-specific deaths fall by 13% since introducing MUP.
• Hospital admissions linked to alcohol have decreased by over 800 annually.
• MUP has had the greatest positive impact on individuals in the most deprived areas, reducing health inequalities.

England must follow suit by introducing MUP at 65p per unit, adjusted for inflation. This would significantly raise the cost of dangerously cheap alcohol. For example, a 2.5-litre bottle of cider containing 19 units, currently priced at £5.25, would cost £12.19 under MUP. Contrary to industry claims, MUP does not negatively affect the pub trade, as most drinks sold in these venues already exceed minimum pricing thresholds.

3. Restricting Alcohol Marketing

Alcohol marketing is widespread and influences young people to drink more and at an earlier age. Current advertising regulations fail to stop campaigns that associate alcohol with youth culture, social success, or irresponsible behaviour. Enforcement is weak, with few penalties for breaches.

To reduce harm, alcohol should be classified as an “unhealthy product” under the UK’s existing marketing restrictions for high-fat, sugar, or salt (HFSS) products. This classification would limit alcohol promotion, particularly to children and teenagers, who are especially vulnerable to its influence.

The Time to Act

No family should have to endure the heartache of alcohol-related cancer, yet this is the reality for too many. The rise in alcohol harm is preventable, but it requires immediate and meaningful policy change. Keir Starmer’s government has an opportunity to make a lasting impact by tackling alcohol harm head-on. England cannot afford to delay.

A National Alcohol Strategy, built on strong evidence and free from industry influence, is the way forward. By focusing on labelling, pricing, and marketing restrictions, such a strategy could save thousands of lives, reduce NHS demand, and foster a healthier society.

It is time to prioritise the health of the nation over the interests of the alcohol industry. Without action, England stands to see not just rising death rates but also growing health inequalities and avoidable costs to the economy.

Source: dbrecoveryresources