A groundbreaking study reveals that alcohol rehabilitation and abstinence can significantly reduce the risk of alcohol-related cancers. The research, published in Lancet Public Health, provides compelling evidence that treatment strategies can combat cancer risks associated with alcohol dependence.

The nationwide study, led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Bordeaux University Hospital, and the World Health Organization (WHO), analyzed data from over 24 million French adults. The results showed a strong association between alcohol dependence and cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma, oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal, and colorectal cancers.

However, the study also found that rehabilitation treatment or a history of abstinence was linked to significantly lower risks compared to alcohol dependence without rehabilitation or abstinence. This highlights the effectiveness of treatment in reducing cancer risks associated with alcohol dependence.

Dr. Jürgen Rehm, Senior Scientist at CAMH, expressed surprise at the treatment intervention effect: “We know that alcohol dependence treatment is effective, but the fact that alcohol dependence is a recurring chronic disease often makes us forget that even with relapses, periods of abstinence markedly lower the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

The researchers involved in the study emphasize the urgent need for a shift in research and policy priorities to place greater focus on alcohol dependence as a significant public health issue. They argue that alcohol dependence has been largely neglected in comparison to other health concerns, resulting in a “silent, dreadful epidemic” in countries like France, where the average annual level of adult alcohol consumption per capita is over twice the global average.

Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges, Regional Adviser for alcohol, Illicit drugs, and Prison health at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, stresses the importance of addressing alcohol dependence in healthcare settings: “By increasing accessibility to interventions for alcohol rehabilitation and abstinence in healthcare settings, countries could do more to protect their populations from preventable cancers.

The researchers advocate for increased investment in rehabilitation and treatment services for alcohol use disorders in France and other countries. This investment would not only benefit individuals struggling with alcohol dependence but also contribute to the broader goal of cancer risk reduction.

In addition to increased investment in treatment services, the researchers emphasize the need for population-level policies to reduce the overall burden of harms caused by alcohol, including cancer. These policies may include measures such as increasing alcohol taxes, reducing alcohol availability, and banning or restricting marketing.

The study's findings also have important implications for healthcare providers and policymakers in Canada. With hospital admissions for alcohol-attributable conditions outnumbering those for myocardial infarction, addressing alcohol dependence and providing accessible treatment options is crucial.

Dr. Leslie Buckley, CAMH's Chief of Addictions, highlights the potential of virtual treatment programs to overcome barriers to evidence-based treatment due to stigma and challenges in accessing in-person care. By offering flexible and cost-effective solutions, virtual treatment programs can increase accessibility and reduce wait times for those in need.

In light of the anticipated increase in alcohol availability in Ontario, the need for accessible treatment options becomes even more pressing. By prioritizing treatment and accessibility, healthcare providers and policymakers can make significant strides in cancer risk reduction and overall public health.

In conclusion, the researchers' call for increased focus on alcohol dependence in research and policy priorities, along with increased investment in rehabilitation and treatment services, is a critical step towards addressing the global burden of alcohol-related cancers. By implementing evidence-based interventions and policies, we can work towards a future where alcohol dependence and its associated health risks are effectively addressed.

Dr. Leslie Buckley, CAMH's Chief of Addictions, stresses the importance of these findings for Canada. With hospital admissions for alcohol-attributable conditions outnumbering those for myocardial infarction, accessible virtual treatment programs could address the anticipated increase in alcohol consumption due to increased availability.

This study underscores the critical role of alcohol rehabilitation and abstinence in reducing the risk of alcohol-related cancers. By prioritizing treatment and accessibility, we can make significant strides in cancer risk reduction and overall public health.