Figures from Cancer Research UK received significant press attention this week after rises in oral cancer rates amongst people in their forties were attributed to increased alcohol consumption. The theory is that as cancers caused by smoking often take 30 years to develop, and that with decreases in smoking and rises in drinking, alcohol seems the most significant contributor to the change.
Rates of oral cancers, such as cancers of the mouth, tongue and lip,
have increased by around a quarter in the past decade among people in
their 40s. However HPV and poor diet were also likely contributors. Hazel Nunn, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said:
"These latest figures are really alarming. Around three quarters of oral cancers are thought to be caused by smoking and drinking alcohol. Tobacco is, by far, the main risk factor for oral cancer... But for people in their 40s, it seems that other factors are also contributing to this jump in oral cancer rates. Alcohol consumption has doubled since the 1950s and the trend we are now seeing is likely to be linked to Britain's continually rising drinking levels."
Stories here from The Guardian, The BBC and the Press Association.
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