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The World Health Organization (WHO) wants clear health warnings on alcohol. The group says labels on bottles and cans should show the link between alcohol and cancer. This would help people understand the risks.

Raising Awareness About Alcohol and Cancer

Many people do not know alcohol causes cancer. Cancer Research UK says alcohol leads to seven types of cancer, including breast and liver cancer. Malcolm Clarke from the group says clear labels would help people make better choices.

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) also supports the idea. It says most countries do not require health warnings on alcohol. Many only have warnings for pregnant women. Experts say this is not enough.

Ireland Takes the Lead

Ireland will be the first EU country to put cancer warnings on alcohol labels. The rule starts in May next year. France and Lithuania already have warnings about pregnancy risks.

Dr. Hans Kluge from WHO says clear warnings give people the facts they need. Dr. Gauden Galea, another WHO expert, says the warnings should be on the packaging. He says websites alone are not enough. He urges governments to resist pressure from alcohol companies.

Alcohol Industry Pushes Back

Alcohol companies do not support the idea. The Portman Group, which represents UK alcohol makers, says warning labels go too far. They admit alcohol is linked to cancer but think warnings could cause fear. They also say warnings might make people trust health advice less.

Consumer Rights and Public Health

Dr. Katherine Severi, from the Institute of Alcohol Studies, says alcohol labels should be more detailed. She says milk and juice labels give more facts than alcohol labels. She believes people have the right to know what they are drinking.

Despite this, the UK government has no plans to add warning labels. A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care says their focus is on funding treatment programs, not labels. Health groups think both are needed.

More countries may follow Ireland’s lead. Some health groups are pushing for global action. They want all alcohol products to have cancer warnings. They believe this will help people drink less and stay healthy.

For more updates, visit Financial Mirror.