Alcohol-related cancer to kill 135,000 in UK by 2035

Alcohol will cause approximately 135,000 cancer deaths in the UK over the next 20 years, costing the NHS an estimated £2 billion in treatments, according to a new study.

By 2035 the UK could expect to see 7,097 alcohol-related cancer deaths annually

A new report from Sheffield University – commissioned by Cancer Research UK – has estimated that by 2035 the UK could expect to see 7,097 alcohol-related cancer deaths each year.

Oesophageal cancer is set to see the largest increase, at 3,674 deaths per year, followed by bowel cancer at 1,369, mouth and throat cancer at 887, breast cancer at 835 and liver cancer estimated at 333.

The report also forecasts more than 1.2 million hospital admissions for cancer over the 20 years, at a cost to the NHS of £100 million on average every year.

Alcohol trends were estimated across the whole population for England in 2015-2035, taking into account recent shifts in consumption alongside longer-term trends.

On average, consumption is estimated to be 14.6 units per week and the abstention rate 20.7%.

“These new figures reveal the devastating impact alcohol will have over the coming years,” said Alison Cox, director of prevention at Cancer Research UK.

“That’s why it’s hugely important the public are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer, and what they can do to improve their risk.

“If we are to change the nation’s drinking habits and try to mitigate the impact alcohol will have then national health campaigns are needed to provide clear information about the health risks of drinking alcohol.”

A Cancer Research UK study published earlier in the year examined the impact of introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol in England.

The study revealed that introducing a minimum unit price (MUP) of 50p across 20 years could reduce deaths linked to alcohol by around 7,200, including around 670 cancer deaths, and reduce healthcare costs by £1.3 billion.

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, added: “These latest figures show the serious consequences for individuals, the NHS and society if the UK government continues to ignore the consequences of the nation’s drinking.

“In particular they reinforce the need for an MUP for alcohol. It is clear from the report that MUP will save lives, including those lost to cancer, and ease the burden on our health service. Importantly, MUP will do this while leaving moderate drinkers and prices in pubs and bars unaffected.

“In addition, we need mandatory health information on the labels of all alcoholic products, informing the public of the link between alcohol and cancer, and the new low-risk drinking guidelines.

“The public have the right to know about how their drinking impacts their health, so that they are empowered to make informed choices.”

Last week Spirits Europe and the Scotch Whisky Association announced plans to appeal a Scottish court’s ruling in favour of MUP at the UK Supreme Court.