“The study reveals no association between wine consumption and the risk of developing any type of cancer… But that finding flies in the face of what the Cancer Council believes and is actively promoting,” says wine writer RICHARD CALVER.

It was wonderful that informed letter writer Ian Hone, of Watson, said I could relax about the risks of getting cancer from wine drinking (CN July 3).

Mr Hone pointed to a 2023 study, which I have now read: Luceron-Lucas-Torres et al “Association between wine consumption and cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis”. It’s available here. 

The study findings reveal no association between wine consumption and the risk of developing any type of cancer. 

Moreover, wine drinking demonstrated a protective trend regarding the risk of developing pancreatic, skin, lung and brain cancer as well as cancer in general.

But that finding flies in the face of what the Cancer Council believes and is actively promoting.

The Cancer Council of SA is, in particular, in the midst of a campaign that features an especially confronting poster that shows a glass of red wine and the bold statement in black that “Alcohol causes cancer in seven sites of the body.” 

The Cancer Council website is quite clear that: “The type of alcohol you drink doesn’t make any difference. Beer, wine and spirits all increase your risk of cancer.”

The Cancer Council SA started the campaign on June 2, publishing a finding that shows two in three (63 per cent) of South Australians don’t adequately perceive alcohol as being an important risk factor for cancer.

The statement launching the campaign said: “Evidence shows that alcohol is a Class 1 carcinogen and that it can cause seven different types of cancer including cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, bowel, liver and breast (female).” 

Cancer Council SA’s senior manager prevention Christine Morris says that with around 5800 new cancer cases diagnosed every year in Australia due to alcohol use, it’s concerning that South Australians aren’t aware of the health impacts of drinking alcohol.

The Cancer Council of NSW, on its website, states that the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified alcohol and the chemicals in alcohol (ethanol) as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning they are proven to cause cancer in humans. 

Daily Wine News on June 27, published an article that indicated some backlash to the campaign targeting red wine.

The article quotes CEO of Australian Grape and Wine, Lee McLean, as saying: “Public health messaging should be rooted in nuance and context. Portraying red wine as something that spreads cancer throughout the body – particularly in the context of moderate consumption – can cause unnecessary fear and confusion. 

“It does not reflect the nuanced advice provided in Australia’s national drinking guidelines. We believe Australians are best served by health information that empowers informed, responsible choices – not by alarmist portrayals that may inadvertently undermine trust in public messaging.”

I telephoned the Cancer Council of the ACT and spoke with the CEO, Verity Hawkins.

She was clear that the Cancer Council would not move away from the message that any alcohol consumption can increase the risk of getting cancer. 

There won’t be a similar campaign in the ACT, but Ms Hawkins made it clear that “when it comes to cancer risk, there is no safe level of drinking. The more you drink, the greater the risk.” 

The Cancer Council also wants people to relax, but not over too many glasses of wine.