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The study covered not only beer and whiskey but also local liquors such as desi daru, tharra and mahua, which are widely consumed in rural areas.
All types of alcohol, including local beers, linked to increased cancer risk
An important multicenter study published in B.M.J. Global Health has warned that even small or occasional alcohol consumption can dramatically increase the risk of oral mucosal cancer, an aggressive form of oral cancer, among men.
Oral mucosal cancer affects the inner lining of the cheek and is considered one of the deadliest oral cancers, with most patients surviving less than five years after diagnosis. India already has one of the highest oral cancer rates in the world, driven largely by tobacco and alcohol consumption.
The latest findings come from research conducted at six of the country's leading cancer centers between 2010 and 2021. The study examined 1,803 men diagnosed with oral mucosal cancer and compared them to 1,903 cancer-free men to assess the role of alcohol as a risk factor.
Importantly, the study covered not only beer and whiskey, but also locally made spirits, such as desi daru, tharra and mahuawhich are widely consumed in rural areas. The researchers reported that all forms of alcohol, regardless of type, frequency or amount, were associated with a significantly increased risk of cancer. Even men who drank occasionally or consumed small amounts were at elevated risk.
Experts involved in the research said the findings reinforce a crucial message: There is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cancer risk.
Doctors also warned that oral mucosal cancer is often detected late, leading to poor survival outcomes. With alcohol and tobacco consumption already posing a major public health challenge in India, particularly in rural areas, researchers emphasized the need for stronger awareness campaigns that highlight the dangers of both commercial and locally brewed alcohol.
The World Health Organization has previously issued similar guidelines, stating that even the first drop of alcohol can increase the risk of cancer and rejecting claims that light or moderate consumption is harmless.
Health experts say the safest way to reduce the risk of oral cancer is to avoid alcohol and tobacco completely, while seeking early medical advice for any persistent oral lesions or unexplained oral problems.
December 29, 2025, 20:14 IST
