4 in 10 would drink less if they knew about the link between alcohol and cancer

27.05.2025 - Four in ten people would reduce their alcohol consumption if they knew that even low amounts of alcohol increase the risk of developing cancer. This is the finding of a new survey conducted by Verian on behalf of Alkohol & Cancer, an information initiative led by Systembolaget and the Regional Cancer Centers in Collaboration (RCC). At the same time, only one in ten Swedes is aware that even small amounts of alcohol increase cancer risk, something the initiative’s spokesperson describes as problematic.

Ellen Brynskog, representing RCC, says: “The persistent myth that small amounts of alcohol are harmless or even healthy simply isn’t true. The research is clear—there is no safe threshold; even low levels can increase cancer risk. The fact that 4 in 10 would drink less if they knew the link highlights how important it is to spread this knowledge. Everyone has the right to know that alcohol increases the risk of cancer—the more you drink, the greater the risk.”

The survey also shows that nine out of ten people are unaware that alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer, even though breast cancer is the most common alcohol-related cancer among women in Sweden. Other cancers with a clear link to alcohol include cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon, rectum, and liver.

Alcohol was classified as a confirmed carcinogen by the WHO as early as 1988, but public awareness about the link between alcohol and cancer remains low. Ellen Brynskog points out that persistent myths are a problem: “Some people tend to think ‘everything causes cancer,’ but that’s not accurate. However, the link between alcohol and cancer is well-researched. Every year, about 2,000 Swedes are diagnosed with cancer attributable to alcohol. While the risk increases with higher consumption, people have the right to know there is no safe threshold—even small amounts can raise the risk.”

The Verian survey was conducted on behalf of Alkohol & Cancer among women and men aged 17–84 years. A total of 4,564 interviews were carried out between 15–27 November 2024. The results were weighted for gender, age, and region to reflect the Swedish population.

Swedes’ knowledge about the alcohol-cancer link—in numbers:

• 9 out of 10 Swedes (86%) do not know that even low levels of alcohol can increase the risk of developing cancer.

• Significantly more believe that high levels of consumption increase risk—8 out of 10 Swedes believe this.

• 9 out of 10 Swedes (89%) do not know that alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer.

• Nearly half (45%) of those over 65 would drink less or abstain if they knew that alcohol, regardless of the amount, increases cancer risk—the figure among 18–29-year-olds is 35%.

• 1 in 4 Swedes (26%) say they would tell others about the link between alcohol and cancer if they knew about it.

Source: Verian survey

Fact: Is there a safe limit for alcohol consumption in relation to cancer?

• There is no safe lower limit—research shows that even small amounts of alcohol can increase cancer risk.

• What counts as a “low level” varies across studies, but no level is entirely risk-free.

• The increase in risk is dose-related: the more you drink, the greater the risk—but risk begins with the first glass.

• Alcohol has been classified as a carcinogen by the WHO since 1988.

Sources: WHO/IARC, GBD, Regional Cancer Centers in Collaboration

Read more at: alkoholochcancer.se

What the research says:

Alcohol was classified as a confirmed carcinogen by IARC (the WHO’s cancer research agency) in 1988. According to GBD (Global Burden of Disease, a research project that regularly estimates the global disease burden), alcohol is the second most common cause of cancer deaths after smoking.

The risk increase from alcohol is individual, but the relationship is linear for everyone: the higher the consumption, the higher the cancer risk, and vice versa. The link is strongest for cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, stomach, liver, colon, rectum, and breast.

About the Alkohol & Cancer initiative

Alkohol & Cancer is an information initiative aimed at increasing public awareness about the link between alcohol and cancer. Although research clearly shows that alcohol is a risk factor for several cancers, public knowledge remains low. Through cooperation between the Regional Cancer Centers in Collaboration (RCC) and several Swedish organizations—including Systembolaget and the Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAN)—evidence-based information is disseminated to strengthen public knowledge and promote health.

About RCC:The Regional Cancer Centers in Collaboration (RCC) are the regional knowledge organizations for cancer care in Sweden. RCC develops national recommendations and supports implementation and follow-up at all levels.