Sat Dec 27 00:00:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Indian Study Links Even Small Amounts of Alcohol to Increased Oral Cancer Risk
The Hindu E-Paper, December 27, 2025 – A new, large-scale study published in BMJ Global Health has revealed a significant link between alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, and an increased risk of buccal mucosa cancer (BMC), a common and aggressive form of oral cancer in India.
The study, conducted across six cancer centers in India between 2010 and 2021, analyzed data from 1,803 men diagnosed with BMC and 1,903 cancer-free controls. Researchers found that men who had ever consumed alcohol had a 68% higher risk of developing BMC compared to non-drinkers, even when consuming less than one standard drink per day.
The study emphasized the elevated risks associated with locally brewed liquors like desi daru, tharra, and mahua, commonly consumed in rural areas. Consumption of these liquors nearly doubled the risk of BMC compared to non-drinkers. Internationally recognized liquors such as beer and whisky also showed a consistent association with increased risk.
The study also highlighted a strong interaction between alcohol and tobacco use, particularly smokeless tobacco. Researchers estimate that over 60% of BMC cases in the study could be attributed to the combined use of alcohol and chewing tobacco. Alcohol consumption alone accounted for an estimated 11.3% of BMC cases in India.
Given the poor five-year survival rate of BMC (approximately 43%) and the significant proportion of cases occurring in men under 45, the study authors are calling for integrated prevention strategies that address both alcohol and tobacco use. They also urge stronger regulation of locally brewed liquors, which often operate outside formal licensing and quality control systems. The findings challenge the perception that low or ‘moderate’ drinking is safe, particularly in the Indian context where BMC is a significant health concern.
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