Specialists, academics, researchers, and activists have alerted about the severe impact of alcohol and tobacco consumption as significant risk factors in the development of cancer within the framework of World Cancer Day. Cancer is a leading cause of death in Mexico, accounting for 9.81% of deaths in 2021.
Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemical substances, of which at least 80 are related to cancer development, according to experts. It is estimated that moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing cancer in multiple sites, such as the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon-rectum, breast, and liver.
Globally, alcohol is responsible for 4.3% of cancer deaths, with 401,000 fatalities attributed to its consumption in 2019. Meanwhile, smoking is responsible for 90% of lung cancer cases in men and 80% in women, establishing itself as the leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
Experts make an urgent call to address the public health crisis caused by alcohol and tobacco consumption. They acknowledge that even in moderate amounts, these can be risk factors for the development of cancer and other serious diseases. Moreover, society is urged to avoid the consumption of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and any form of tobacco, as well as to promote smoke-free spaces.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen. It is highlighted that the risk of developing lung cancer is between 20 and 25 times greater in smokers compared to non-smokers. Groups of specialists also urge authorities to implement fiscal policies that disincentivize tobacco and alcohol consumption and strengthen restrictions on the advertising and promotion of these substances. In this regard, a call to action is made to effectively address the smoking epidemic that causes more than 8 million deaths annually.
