The debate over alcohol consumption and its associated risks has taken a new turn with the US surgeon general’s recent call for labels on alcoholic beverages to highlight the link between drinking and an increased risk of cancer. This has sparked a conversation in Australia, where drinking culture is deeply ingrained but awareness of its health risks remains relatively low.
In the US, while warnings about alcohol consumption during pregnancy and its impact on judgment are commonplace, the potential cancer risks are not typically included on labels. This is also the case in Australia, where a significant portion of the adult population—80 per cent—consumes alcohol, and 36 per cent do so on a weekly basis.
A survey conducted by Alcohol Change Australia in 2024 revealed that less than half of the 2,000 adult respondents were aware of the carcinogenic potential of alcohol. This is concerning given that Cancer Australia attributes 5.6 per cent of cancer cases in the country to long-term alcohol use.
The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia has issued guidelines to minimise health risks, recommending no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four on any given day for healthy adults. For pregnant or breastfeeding women and those under 18, the advice is to abstain from alcohol altogether.
The standard drink in Australia contains 10 grams of pure alcohol, and even moderate consumption can lead to long-term health risks. This raises the question: Should Australia follow in the footsteps of the US and consider similar warnings on alcohol labels?
Voices from The Rocks in Sydney reflect a mix of opinions. Some acknowledge the toxic nature of alcohol and the paradox of its social acceptance despite known health risks. Others, particularly women, express concern about specific risks such as breast cancer. The common thread is the desire for informed choice, with many advocating for increased awareness so that consumers can make their own decisions.
However, scepticism about the effectiveness of warning labels persists. Some argue that people are already aware of the risks, while others believe that the alcohol industry is sufficiently regulated through excise taxes and other measures.
Yet, for individuals who have experienced the benefits of reducing alcohol intake, the idea of warning labels is a personal matter. They see it as a helpful tool for making healthier choices.
Julia Stafford from the Cancer Council’s Nutrition, Alcohol and Physical Activity Committee supports the introduction of warning labels in Australia. She emphasises the right of consumers to be informed about the risks of the products they use. Stafford’s stance is clear: ‘When it comes to alcohol and cancer, there is no safe level of alcohol use.’
Internationally, the movement towards acknowledging the link between alcohol and cancer is gaining momentum. Ireland is set to become the first country to mandate a warning linking any level of alcohol consumption to cancer by 2026. South Korea also requires manufacturers to warn consumers of the risks associated with alcohol, although the messaging can vary.
These examples demonstrate a growing global awareness and the need to inform communities about the health risks of alcohol. Australians, like others around the world, deserve to know if the products they consume could cause harm.
What are your thoughts on the idea of cancer warning labels on alcohol in Australia? Do you think this would help raise awareness, or is there a better approach? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below—your input is valuable in shaping this important conversation.
Also read: Another link established between alcohol and cancer
