“Only 1 in 3 North East adults are aware that alcohol can cause cancer. But alarming figures reveal that four out 10 people (around 855,000 people) are drinking enough to significantly raise their risks.

The figures come as Balance and the NHS launch a major campaign in the North East and North Cumbria (Nov 8) to warn alcohol can cause at least seven types of cancer, including breast, bowel, mouth and throat cancer. Supported by Cancer Research UK and North East local authorities, the “Alcohol Causes Cancer” campaign encourages people to cut down to reduce their risk.

2020 was a record year for alcohol deaths in England with the worst rates in the North East. And separate cancer figures show 3,145 people in the North East were diagnosed with an alcohol-related cancer between 2016-18.”

Find more from Balance North East (UK, November 2021)

And visit reducemyrisk.tv

2/Alcohol is too cheap – but awareness campaigns such as #AlcoholCausesCancer give people a right to know – a step towards reducing the tsunami of alcohol harm our country is experiencing right now. @BorisJohnson @sajidjavid @AlexNorrisNN @maggie_erewash @JonAshworth @DanCardenMP pic.twitter.com/RhkzMOKHQq

— Balance North East (@BalanceNE) November 9, 2021

There are many reasons to cut down on drinking yet only 1 in 3 are aware of the links to cancer. With alcohol deaths in our region higher than ever, it’s so important to raise awareness through campaigns like #AlcoholCausesCancer @NENC_ICS @MbroCouncil @RedcarCleveland pic.twitter.com/r9xqxpKuDC

— Balance North East (@BalanceNE) November 9, 2021

Our new campaign supported by @NENC_ICS and @CR_UK was featured on BBC Look North @BBCLN today as we reveal 1 in 3 people in the NE are not aware #AlcoholCausesCancer but 4/10 are drinking enough to significantly raise their risks. Watch out for the TV adverts from today. pic.twitter.com/Cy0DhMBEjf

— Balance North East (@BalanceNE) November 8, 2021