Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 29: In a strong public health push, leading experts have called for tobacco-style cancer warning labels on alcohol bottles in India to tackle the alarming rise in alcohol-related cancers. The recommendation follows a recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health, which highlights the urgent need for evidence-based, low-cost interventions to address the country’s growing cancer burden.
“Alcohol, like tobacco, is a Group 1 carcinogen—yet public awareness remains dangerously low,” said Dr. Abhishek Shankar, lead author of the paper and Assistant Professor at AIIMS Delhi. He described the proposed labels as a "low-cost, high-impact measure" to alert consumers and reduce harmful drinking patterns, especially among youth.
Cancer Cases Rising Rapidly in India
India has seen a 36% rise in cancer incidence over the past decade—from 1.01 million cases in 2012 to 1.38 million in 2022. According to GLOBOCAN 2022, the country reported:
• 1.41 million new cancer cases
• Over 916,000 cancer deaths
• 3.25 million five-year prevalence
Alcohol contributes to cancers of the mouth, throat, colon, liver, breast, pancreas, and more, with experts warning that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cancer risk.
Youth and Alcohol: A Dangerous Trend
Dr. Shankar emphasized that India’s rapidly growing alcohol market, combined with the largest adolescent population globally, makes this a critical moment for action.
“If we don’t act now, we risk locking in a future public health crisis fueled by misinformation, marketing, and unregulated alcohol consumption,” he said.
Medical Experts: Labels Can Counter Misinformation
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Scientific Committee at IMA Cochin, echoed the call and criticized media glorification of alcohol use.
“Movies and social media send mixed signals about alcohol. Many still falsely believe it’s good for the heart,” he said. “Clear warning labels can counter these myths and prompt more informed choices.”
He added that alcohol is also a major contributor to liver cirrhosis, another expensive and life-threatening condition.
Time to Replicate Tobacco Warning Success
India’s success with graphic warnings on tobacco packaging has already proven effective in changing consumer behavior. Health experts now believe it's time to apply the same strategy to alcohol.
“This is a powerful, proven public health tool,” said Dr. Shankar. “Let’s not wait for more lives to be lost when prevention is possible.”
With alcohol linked to over 20 types of cancer and its consumption rising, particularly among younger demographics, experts agree that mandatory cancer warning labels could be a turning point in India’s battle against preventable diseases.