Alcohol in focus: new warnings to risks for health and cancer!

Alcohol in focus: new warnings to risks for health and cancer!

Dewezet, Deutschland - Current reports on alcohol consumption in Germany show alarming trends and risks. According to a report by the German Center for Addiction questions (DHS), more than a fifth of the German population consumes alcohol in a risky or addictive extent. The addiction researcher Jakob Manthey emphasizes that Germany has to struggle with a significant alcohol problem.

Despite a declining tendency in alcohol consumption in Germany over the past 40 years - from 15.1 liters of pure alcohol per capita in 1980 to 10 liters in 2020 - the country remains a high consumer country in international comparison. In the EU, Germany occupies ninth place in terms of per capita consumption.

consumer statistics and health awareness

The latest statistics for 2022 show an average consumption of 91.8 liters of beer, 19.9 liters of wine, 3.2 liters of sparkling wine and 5.2 liters of spirits per person. So far, two glasses of beer (0.3 liters) for men and a glass for women per day have been considered in Germany, and there are two abstinent days a week. However, these recommendations based on the scientific status of 2008 are now being revised.

The German Nutrition Society (DGE) revised its position in 2024 and speaks against alcohol consumption because there is no risk -free amount. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports this assessment and has planned in an explanation in the journal "The Lancet Public Health" that there is no harmful amount of alcohol consumption. Alcohol is classified as a toxic, psychoactive and addictive substance that is connected with over 200 different diseases.

Cancer risks and Enlightenment

The health risks of alcohol are diverse: long-term consumption can lead to liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, depression and anxiety disorders. Alcohol is also classified as a carcinogen in group 1, which means that it is responsible for at least seven types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. Estimates show that every fourth breast cancer is due to moderate alcohol consumption.

The WHO emphasizes that every alcoholic liquid carries a risk of cancer, regardless of price or quality. There is no threshold under which there is no risk of diseases or injuries. Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges from the WHO points out that the risk of health starts alcohol at the first drop. In addition, public awareness of the connection between alcohol and cancer is low, although cancer is the most common cause of death in connection with alcohol.

particularly worrying is the fact that around 800,000 people die from the consequences of alcohol consumption in the WHO region of Europe, which corresponds to around 2,200 deaths per day. The majority of these alcohol -related deaths are due to different types of cancer and shows the urgency of educational measures and health information on labels of alcoholic beverages.

international developments

The WHO has recommended that warnings are attached to alcoholic beverages regarding cancer risks. This measure is intended to inform consumers about the health risks and help to reduce health damage from alcohol. It is worth noting that Canada changed its alcohol guidelines in 2023 and now recommends a maximum of two standard drinks per week.

Overall, the current developments and recommendations underline that conscious handling of alcohol is essential. The risks are clear, and the demand for the greatest possible information about the dangers of alcohol consumption is becoming increasingly important.

For more information about the risks of alcohol consumption, the individual reports can be found on Dewezet href = "https://www.who.int/europe/de/news/item/28-2022-no-level-of-alcohol-consum-is-is-fe-for-or-health"> Who and Tagesschau .