Better information needed to help people understand health risks associated with alcohol
Commenting on Cancer Research’s report published today (1 April) on alcohol and cancer, John Larsen, Director of Evidence and Impact at the national alcohol education charity, Drinkaware said:
“This report highlights a worrying lack of public awareness of the risks and range of harms – such as cancer – that drinking alcohol can have. It underlines the need for more transparent information so that people can make better choices.
“Our own research also shows how the majority of people do not associate drinking with cancer, along with other health issues such as coronary heart disease and weight gain.
“As part of a new campaign to help people understand the risks of drinking, we will be developing a series of short videos in the summer that will show how alcohol can affect our health.”
Notes to Editors:
- 1 IPSOS Mori (2015),Drinkaware Monitor 2014: Adults Drinking Behaviour and Attitudes in the UK. [Online] Available at:https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/media/362885/Drinkaware_Monitor_2014_Adults.pdf
*Survey conducted before release of new CMO guidelines in January 2016
- Copies of Cancer UK’s report: ‘An investigation of public knowledge of the link between alcohol and cancer’ – is available on request from the Cancer UK press office: 020 3469 8300
- Drinkaware is an independent UK-wide, alcohol education charity with the objective of positively changing public behaviour and the national drinking culture. We aim to reduce alcohol misuse and minimise harm by helping people make better choices about their drinking. We achieve this by providing impartial, evidence-based information, advice and practical resources; raising awareness of alcohol and its harms and by working collaboratively with partners (including the medical community, public health, third sector organisations, local authorities, police and the drinks industry). For further information visit www.drinkaware.co.uk