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December 7 2009

Figures found that almost 5,000 people in England are diagnosed each year with oral cancers, more than 50% rise since 1997. The research found that there was also a 20% leap in cancer of the gullet (oesophagus), from 5,397 to almost 6,500.

The figures, obtained from parliamentary questions by the Liberal Democrats, found that liver cancer sufferers had also risen, as well as female breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

Drinking was to blame for all rises, experts believe alcohol consumption, which has doubled since the 1950s, as well as the relaxing of drinking laws, has contributed to the rise in figures. Heavy drinking contributed to a 60% extra chance of developing breast cancer and 50% in colorectal.

February 20, 2009

Source: French National Cancer Institute, INCA

Findings by the INCA, the French national cancer institute, which says the consumption of only a small amount of alcohol can increase the risk of mouth and throat cancer by 168%.

Written by

Decanter Staff
Decanter Staff
Decanter Team

Content written and compiled by the Decanter Team