The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology - On July 24, 2017, the UK Foundation for Liver Research published its Financial Case for Action on Liver Disease. The report identifies alcohol misuse, obesity, and viral hepatitis as key areas for action.

The health effects of heavy drinking extend further than liver disease alone, although other links are less well appreciated—only one in ten people is aware of the association between alcohol and digestive cancers, including pancreatic, oesophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers, according to a recent United European Gastroenterology report. In contrast to the idea that low-level alcohol consumption confers health benefits, even light consumption carries some cancer risks

The report goes a step further to identify one of the most problematic elements of addressing alcohol consumption—its almost inseparable relationship with both culture and social interactions in many societies worldwide.

 

Alcohol: are we enjoying responsibly?

 

The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology - DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(17)30259-5 -  Editorial - October 2017