The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) has published a growing collection of accessible, evidence-based materials under the title Fakten zu Alkohol (Facts about Alcohol). The resources are produced by the DKFZ Cancer Prevention Unit and bring together scientific findings on alcohol, cancer and other health risks in formats designed for public education, prevention work and professional communication. The closest central page for the collection is the DKFZ publications and downloads section, where the materials are listed under “Alkoholprävention”, alongside the Alcohol Atlas Germany and related policy briefs.
Several new materials published in 2026 address common misunderstandings about alcohol. 10 Myths and Facts about Alcohol challenges claims such as “a glass of red wine is good for the heart”, “being able to tolerate alcohol is a good sign” and “alcohol helps with sleep”. Each claim is answered with a concise scientific explanation, including that alcohol increases cardiovascular risks, that growing tolerance can be a warning sign of dependence, and that alcohol may make falling asleep easier while significantly reducing sleep quality.
Other publications focus on the benefits of reducing alcohol use and on risks that are often considered separately. Without Alcohol: Noticeable Health Benefits explains how reducing or stopping alcohol use may improve sleep, energy, mental wellbeing, liver function and cardiovascular health, while also lowering the risk of alcohol-related cancers. A separate factsheet examines alcohol and smoking together, warning that the two substances can reinforce each other’s carcinogenic effects, particularly in cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx and oesophagus, while also increasing the risk of dependence.
The collection also includes visually strong infographics that can communicate key messages quickly. Hard Facts Instead of Hard Drinks, aimed at young people, highlights the effects of alcohol on brain development, cancer risk, accidents and dependence, noting that 8,781 children and adolescents were treated in German hospitals for alcohol poisoning in 2024. Together, these materials offer a useful example of how complex scientific evidence can be translated into clear, practical and shareable public health communication.
Find more from DKFZ (Germany, 2026)
Alcohol Awareness 