United States: The World Health Organization released new findings about “alarming” alcohol-related cancer unawareness across Europe, which prompted them to call for alcohol warnings resembling cigarette warnings in this world-leading alcohol consumption area, as reported by Reuters.
The global health agency has maintained its position on alcohol-caused cancers while supporting distinct product labels, yet its recent call represents the most detailed government policy advice so far.
The U.S. Surgeon General introduced cancer risk warning labels on alcoholic beverages during the first part of 2021.
Shocking Statistics on Public Awareness
The WHO’s Europe office reports that alcohol leads to 800,000 deaths per year in the region, yet only a small minority of people are properly informed about the associated dangers. According to research, 15% of participants recognized that alcohol consumption leads to breast cancer development, while 39% understood its connection with colon cancer.
“Despite cancer being the leading cause of alcohol-attributable deaths in the European Union (EU), public awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer remains alarmingly low,” the WHO said.
Call for Clear and Prominent Health Warnings
Alcohol manufacturers run the risk of using “inconspicuous placement and ambiguous messaging” or QR codes, which consumers often ignore, if they rely on self-regulation, as the industry would want, the report stated.
Instead, alcoholic drinks should display “clear and prominent health warnings” in written format, which could be combined with pictures “to maximize reach and empower consumers with clear, accurate information to make informed choices about their health,” it said.
Global and Regional Progress on Alcohol Warnings
The spokesperson indicated that pictograms alongside basic text warnings create the same level of effectiveness as graphic photographic alerts, as reported by Reuters.
The WHO identifies France as the only country among the 27 EU countries actively implementing warning labels for alcoholic beverages, alongside Lithuania and Germany. Starting from May 2026, Ireland will expand its warning labels about cancer to cover all alcoholic beverages, according to official statements.