Alcohol is a scientifically proven cause of cancer, and the risk begins with the very first drink. The type of drink doesn’t matter, what matters is the alcohol itself and how much of it is consumed. Alcohol is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, bowel, liver, mouth, throat, larynx, and oesophageal cancer. In Estonia, around 260 cancer cases each year are linked to alcohol, with breast cancer being the most common among women and bowel cancer among men.

When the body breaks down alcohol, it produces a substance called acetaldehyde, which can damage cell DNA and affect hormone levels such as oestrogen, potentially promoting the growth of breast cancer. Alcohol can also reduce folate absorption and irritate tissues, making them more vulnerable to other carcinogens. These combined mechanisms explain why the risk increases with consumption. The updated European Code Against Cancer now states clearly that to reduce the risk of cancer, alcohol should be avoided.

In Estonia, awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer remains low. According to the National Institute for Health Development, only 11% of women are aware of the connection between alcohol and breast cancer. There are no warning labels on alcohol packaging, meaning important information often fails to reach people. Everyone has the right to know that alcohol increases cancer risk and to make informed choices for their health. Less is always better, and the fight against cancer begins with knowledge and the small choices we make every day.

Find more from Eesti tubaka- ja alkoholikahjude vähendamise koda (Estonia, October 2025)