NCI-Designated Cancer Centers' Policies and Practices with regard to Alcohol and Cancer: A Call to Lead

Alcohol, a known carcinogen since 1988, increases risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, and colorectum. More than one half of US adults consume alcohol whereas about two thirds are unsure whether or unaware that alcohol intake is linked to cancer risk.

Our objective was to survey awareness, beliefs, intentions, policies, practices, and goals/perceived responsibilities related to establishing/promoting actions to reduce alcohol-related cancer risks from leaders of 72 NCI-Designated Cancer Centers.

Sixty-one percent responded. Forty-three percent either believed in or were uncertain about alcohol's purported health benefits. Nevertheless, 86% considered it part of their job to warn the public about alcohol's carcinogenic effects. Fifty-two percent had at least one alcohol-related policy in place; among that subset, 83% had a policy related to alcohol service during on-site events; 87% had one about reimbursement of that alcohol service. Of concern, only 45% of survey respondents agreed that current literature with regard to alcohol-related cancer risk factors was sufficient to warrant a reconsideration of their alcohol-related policies/practices, and fewer than half have acted on those data.

NCI-Designated Cancer Centers can implement policies and change practices now to reduce alcohol intake and the cancer deaths associated with its consumption.

Cancer centers' leadership in alcohol practices and policies may energize the public to be more thoughtful about their use of alcohol, resulting in long-term reductions in associated cancer risks. See related In the Spotlight, p. 190.