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European medics: Not drinking alcohol better for cancer prevention

BRUSSELS, Nov 24 (KUNA) -- A number of European medical and health groups have warned that alcohol is known to be a causal factor in over 60 diseases and conditions, including at least 7 types of cancer.
This warning was expressed in a statement released Friday following 5th Awareness Week on Alcohol Related Harm (AWARH) in Brussels from 21-24 November.
It noted that the European region has the highest proportion of total ill health and premature death due to alcohol. One fifth of the population aged 15 years and above report heavy episodic drinking at least once a week.
1 in 8 alcohol-related deaths are due to cancer.
AWARH partners called on the EU to ensure that the message regarding alcohol included in the European Code Against Cancer is widely disseminated: "Not drinking alcohol is better for cancer prevention." The aim of AWARH is to raise awareness among EU policymakers of the harms caused by alcohol. (end) nk.mt