Most people don’t know the shocking truth: alcohol causes cancer. Yet in the UK, it accounts for around 17,000 cancer diagnoses every year – equating to 46 people every single day.

These alarming statistics make one thing clear: the UK Government must act to ensure people know the real risks of alcohol, which start at any level of drinking.

We’re urging the UK Government to introduce a long-overdue National Alcohol Strategy for England—one that tackles alcohol harm head-on through:

• mandatory health warnings highlighting cancer risk
• minimum unit pricing
• and marketing restrictions to reduce consumption, lower cancer risk, and protect lives.

These measures must address prevention, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation, and public education — especially on alcohol’s direct link to cancer.

Breast cancer survivor Nikki Bednall said:

"I always thought drinking a few times a week was fine. I never knew it could raise my cancer risk. If I’d known earlier, I might have made different choices. Though hindsight is easy, my perspective has changed with the knowledge that came after my diagnosis.

“For example, I now drink very little alcohol to stack the odds in my favour as much as possible. Now, my motto is: ‘Look after your body like you have nowhere else to live because the reality is you don’t.”

“I hope the Government heeds this petition to help people better understand the health risks linked to drinking alcohol; no one should have to wait for a diagnosis like I did before understanding its harms.  Everyone should be enabled to make informed decisions”

That’s why Cancer Prevention Action Week (23-29 June) #CPAW25, organised by World Cancer Research Fund, is sparking a national conversation on alcohol and cancer—raising awareness that alcohol causes seven different cancers – including breast and bowel - and calling on the Prime Minister to act.

The UK Government must also work with the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to collectively take bolder action to reduce alcohol consumption.

No family should have to suffer the devastating trauma of alcohol-related cancer.

With alcohol deaths at an all-time high after increasing by 42% since 2019 in England, it’s time for action.

We urge the Prime Minister Keir Starmer on behalf of the UK Government to act now to save lives.

Our voices are stronger together. Please sign our petition today and share it with your friends and family. 

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