Drinks industry distorts alcohol cancer risk

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The alcohol industry uses denial, distortion and distraction to mislead people about the risks of developing cancer from drinking, often employing similar tactics to those of the tobacco industry, according to a recent study.

Drinks industry organizations often present the relationship between alcohol and cancer as highly complex, implying there is no clear evidence of a consistent link, said the study led by scientists at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Sweden's Karolinska Institute.

Other strategies include denying any relationship exists, or saying inaccurately that there is no risk with moderate drinking, the study found.

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The industry also seeks to mention a wide range of other real and potential cancer risk factors in an effort to present alcohol as just one of many, it added.

Responding to the study, the Distilled Spirits Council, a US alcohol trade association, said it was "a highly selective" review authored by researchers with "anti-alcohol biases."

"The Council does not recommend that people drink alcohol for potential health benefits," it said in a statement. "Drinking in moderation may pose health risks for some people, and some individuals should not drink at all."

The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, which represents large brewers and distillers including Anheuser-Busch InBev and Diageo, said it disagreed with the study's conclusions.

"We ... stand by the information that we publish on drinking and health," it said.

Source(s): Reuters