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Research published in today's New Zealand Medical Journal today has drawn the link between alcohol and New Zealand's high cancer rates.
The study, by Professor Jennie Connor and Robyn Kydd from Otago University’s Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, found while the majority of alcohol-related deaths came from injuries, the leading cause of death in both Maori and non-Maori women is breast cancer.
In fact, Maori women have the highest rate of breast cancer in the world.
The study, conducted in collaboration with international researchers, looked at extent of injury and disease in New Zealant that could be attributed to alcohol,
Alcohol Action New Zealand spokesperson Professor Doug Sellman says the study highlights a link between alcohol and cancer that is not well known by the public.
It is seen as a factor in other common cancers, in particular bowel cancer which affects both men and women.
The ethyl alcohol in beer, wine and spirits is classed by the World Health Organisation as a Group 1 carcinogen which can directly cause cancer.
Although it is not likely to be the main cause of breast and bowel cancer, the fact it is New Zealand’s favourite recreational drug means the rate of these cancers is significantly higher than it could be if heavy drinking was curtailed.
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