NCDA cautions about the correlation between alcohol misuse and cancer

Jamaica Gleaner

With new evidence showing a direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer, the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) has issued a stark warning to Jamaicans about the dangers of alcohol misuse.
“The WHO recommends that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
She told JIS News that these findings are particularly relevant to Jamaica, where alcohol consumption is widespread.
The NCDA’s efforts to address alcohol misuse have intensified, with the entity implementing education campaigns, harm reduction initiatives, and early intervention programmes.
“Alcohol misuse is not just an individual problem; it’s a public health issue that affects us all.

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The National Council on Drug Abuse, or NCDA, has warned Jamaicans about the perils of alcohol abuse in light of recent data that directly links alcohol use to cancer.

Alcohol is a major contributing factor to at least seven types of cancer, including those of the breast, colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx), according to findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and US health authorities.

“There is no safe level of alcohol consumption, according to WHO recommendations. The NCDA’s Prevention, Public Education, and Treatment Branch Principal Director Collette Kirlew stated that the more you consume, the higher your risk.

These findings are especially pertinent to Jamaica, where alcohol use is common, she told JIS News.

Based on current data, 77.3 percent of Jamaicans have had alcohol at some time, with 50% having done so within the last month.

Concerning patterns in binge drinking—defined as consuming five or more drinks in one sitting—were also found in the NCDA’s research.

More than 40% of those surveyed acknowledged that they had engaged in this behavior, which increased the risks to their long-term health. Another concerning finding was that a large number of Jamaicans reported drinking alcohol for the first time during adolescence.

The normalization of alcohol in society, according to Kirlew, is a major obstacle to lowering dangerous drinking.

Rum is widely regarded in Jamaica as a cultural symbol that is ingrained in our celebrations from infancy to death. This makes attempts to deter excessive consumption more difficult,” she added.

In order to combat alcohol abuse, the NCDA has stepped up its efforts, launching early intervention programs, harm reduction projects, and education campaigns.

Additionally, the organization provides training to medical professionals so they can screen for and treat alcohol-related health conditions.

“Health professionals are better able to recognize and help people whose alcohol consumption is having a detrimental effect on their health because they have received training in Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT),” Ms. Kirlew told JIS News.

In order to protect their health, she is advising Jamaicans to limit their alcohol intake, abstain from binge drinking, and support harm reduction programs.

We are all impacted by alcohol abuse, which is a public health concern rather than just an individual one. To build a healthier society, we must cooperate,” Ms. Kirlew continued.

Call 876-564-(HELP) 4357 if you need assistance or information about the NCDA’s programs.

According to JIS News.

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