Originally published December 1 2005
UK research group extends warning to binge drinkers about potential cancer risks
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Cancer Research UK has issued a warning to binge drinkers, claiming that drinking habits are responsible for the dramatic rise in mouth cancer cases over the last decade.
Today Cancer Research UK launched its three-year Open Up to Mouth Cancer campaign, with £300,000 funding from the Department of Health.
The charity said they believed alcohol was contributing to a steep rise in mouth cancer cases in the UK.
This rise came at a time when rates of tobacco use - a major risk factor for mouth cancer - were falling, but alcohol consumption was rising, particularly among women.
"Mouth cancer is on the increase and kills more people in the UK than cervical cancer and testicular cancer put together," Ms Hiom said.
A survey of more than 1,900 people across Britain found that three-quarters were able to identify smoking as a cause of mouth cancer, compared to only 20 per cent who mentioned alcohol.
The main risk factors for the disease are smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, with smoking and drinking together estimated to cause more than 75 per cent of cases in developed countries.
Professor Markham said it was very worrying that people were not aware of the link between alcohol and mouth cancer.
Public health minister Caroline Flint defended the legislation, saying it gave local authorities greater powers to deal with problems caused by unsocial drinking in their area.
But Professor Markham said Cancer Research UK was concerned about the possible effects once the relaxed laws are introduced on November 24.
Lesley King-Lewis, chief executive of Action on Addiction, said: "Mouth cancer is just one of many health problems caused by or contributed to by alcohol.
Action on Addiction today also launched into own campaign to highlight the effects that drinking too much alcohol have on the nation's health.
The charity is calling for long-term funding for an alcohol nurse or worker in every hospital, as well as money for research working with the alcohol industry on the effectiveness of warning labels on drinks and in advertising.
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