Continued heavy drinking in the UK will see thousands of people dying from cancer linked to alcohol over the next 20 years, a report warns today.
By 2035, some 7,100 people will die annually from cancers linked to alcohol, according to Cancer Research UK.
The analysis takes into account falling rates of drinking amongst the younger generation – but also the effect of binge-drinkers continuing their habits into middle age.
The charity calls for tough measures – such as price controls – to reduce drinking levels.
The report says that over the next two decades there will be 135,000 cancer deaths caused by alcohol. The most common form of these cancers will be oesophageal cancer, the charity says.
It says that minimum unit pricing would cut the annual toll of cancer deaths by 670 – and other alcohol related deaths by more than 6,500.
Alison Cox, from Cancer Research UK, said: “These new figures reveal the devastating impact alcohol will have over the coming years. 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.”
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