Alcohol consumption is linked to more than 200 diseases, including at least seven types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer.
The UN Health Agency says alcohol is responsible for 8.8 percent of all deaths in countries in the European region, and that number comes to one in every 11 deaths.
Despite these serious health risks and harmful consequences, less than half of the European population is unaware of the link between alcohol and cancer.
The month of October is being observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the world, in this context it is also worth noting that a recent study showed that only 21 percent of women in all countries of the European region are at risk of developing breast cancer due to alcohol. Was aware of the cost.
An increased risk of breast cancer has already been observed, even with very low alcohol consumption.
Need for information and awareness
Keeping these statistics in mind, the World Health Organization has started this campaign to increase information and awareness among people.
Under this, the latest research on the health effects of alcohol and the often overlooked harms of alcohol will be discussed.
The campaign is called “Redefine Alcohol”. It asks people living in European countries to think about their personal and social relationship with alcohol.
They are also called to reconsider the role of alcohol in their daily lives, rituals and traditions.
“Alcohol, in addition to causing physical effects, also causes wider social problems,” said Dr Gauden Galli, a senior official at the WHO Regional Office for Europe. “Alcohol consumption is also a major factor in increasing violence, including sexual and gender-based violence.”
“It also results in road traffic injuries and other harms that affect not only drinkers, but also their families and communities.”
Stories of victims of alcoholism
During the months of October and November, the campaign will feature stories of victims of alcohol abuse who have improved their lives by rethinking their relationship with alcohol. And alcohol no longer holds any place or importance in their lives.
These events will highlight the benefits of reducing or quitting alcohol consumption, including physical and mental health For example, better sleep, better focus and energy, better relationships and a greater appreciation of life overall.