10.02.2025 - The EU Country Cancer Profiles Synthesis Report 2025, published by the OECD and the European Commission, provides a comprehensive overview of cancer trends, risk factors, and prevention efforts across the European Union, Iceland, and Norway. Among its many findings, the report reinforces the role of preventable risk factors, including alcohol consumption, in contributing to the cancer burden.
Alcohol consumption trends in the EU
Alcohol remains a significant cancer risk factor, though trends in consumption vary across EU countries. According to the report, the average alcohol consumption in the EU in 2022 was 10.0 litres per person aged 15 and over. While overall alcohol consumption has decreased slightly—by 0.3 litres per person between 2010 and 2022—this figure hides large disparities. Some countries, including Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, and Lithuania, reported a decline of 10% or more in alcohol consumption. In contrast, Bulgaria, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Romania, and Spain experienced increases of 10% or more during the same period.
Alcohol and cancer risk
The report highlights that alcohol consumption is directly linked to cancer risk, particularly cancers of the breast, liver, colorectum, and upper aerodigestive tract. Breast cancer incidence, for instance, is noted to be influenced by alcohol consumption, obesity, and genetic factors. This aligns with previous evidence that alcohol acts as a carcinogen, increasing the risk of multiple cancer types through various biological mechanisms.
While tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of cancer deaths in Europe, alcohol is a significant contributor to cancer incidence. If alcohol consumption targets were met across the EU, an estimated one million cancer cases could be prevented between 2023 and 2050. This figure underscores the importance of alcohol reduction strategies as part of broader cancer prevention efforts.
Alcohol and cancer in the Nordic and Baltic countries
The report provides specific insights into alcohol consumption trends and related cancer risks in the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Nordic countries
Finland: Finland enforces strict alcohol policies, including taxation, advertising restrictions, and state retail monopoly control. However, recent reforms have eased alcohol sales regulations. Further public health initiatives could strengthen cancer prevention. Meeting alcohol reduction targets could prevent 9,468 cancer cases in Finland between 2030-2050.
Denmark: Denmark has one of the highest rates of heavy drinking in the EU. The government’s 2023 Prevention Plan includes a ban on the sale of alcohol above 6% ABV to minors under 18 years old, but challenges remain in addressing alcohol-related harm, especially among adolescents. Meeting alcohol reduction targets could prevent 15,301 cancer cases between 2023-2050.
Norway: Norway maintains strict alcohol control measures, including high taxes, limited sales outlets, and advertising bans. The National Alcohol Strategy, extended to 2030, aims for a 20% reduction in consumption in line with WHO targets. Meeting alcohol reduction targets could prevent 13,104 cancer cases.
Sweden: Sweden enforces a state monopoly and high taxation on alcohol, with low adolescent alcohol use compared to EU averages. Despite this, lifetime repeated drunkenness among 15-year-olds (17%) remains a concern. Meeting alcohol reduction targets could prevent 20,356 cancer cases by 2050.
Iceland: Iceland implements one of the strongest alcohol control policies in Europe, including minimum unit pricing and a government-controlled retail system. Prevention strategies include public awareness campaigns and strict restrictions on alcohol advertising. Meeting alcohol reduction targets could prevent 770 cancer cases.
Baltic countries
Estonia: Estonia has recently reduced excise taxes (2019), leading to affordability concerns. Awareness of alcohol’s link to cancer remains low, with only 11% of women recognizing alcohol as a breast cancer risk factor. Strengthening health warning labels and increasing healthcare worker interventions could improve prevention. Meeting alcohol reduction targets could prevent 2,000 cancer cases.
Latvia: Latvia has introduced multiple policy measures, restricting alcohol sales hours, and limiting marketing. However, enforcement remains a challenge, and cross-border alcohol purchases continue to undermine national policies. Meeting alcohol reduction targets could prevent 2,113 cancer cases.
Lithuania: Lithuania has one of the strictest alcohol policies in the EU, including advertising bans, high taxes, raising the legal drinking age to 20 and retail restrictions. Evidence shows these policies have contributed to reduced consumption and alcohol-related harm. Meeting alcohol reduction targets could prevent 2,108 cancer cases.
Estimated cancer cases prevented by meeting alcohol reduction targets (2023-2050)
Country | Estimated Cancer Cases Prevented |
Finland | 9,468 |
Denmark | 15,301 |
Norway | 13,104 |
Sweden | 20,356 |
Iceland | 770 |
Estonia | 2,000 |
Latvia | 2,113 |
Lithuania | 2,108 |
The EU Country Cancer Profiles Synthesis Report 2025 provides a crucial reminder that cancer prevention must extend beyond medical treatment to include effective policies targeting known risk factors. Alcohol consumption remains a modifiable risk factor with the potential for significant public health impact. While some EU countries have made strides in reducing alcohol consumption, a stronger commitment to prevention policies is needed to curb alcohol-related cancer cases in the coming decades.
Find more from EU Country Cancer Profiles Synthesis Report 2025