The National Council on Drug Abuse is warning Jamaicans about the dangers of alcohol misuse.
The Council says new evidence reveals a direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer.
Findings from the World Health Organization and United States health authorities, indicate that alcohol is a major contributing factor for at least seven types of cancer – breast, colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and voice box.
Collette Kirlew, Principal Director in the NCDA's Prevention, Public Education & Treatment Branch, says there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, while acknowledging that the higher rate of consumption increases the risk.
Ms Kirley says these findings are particularly relevant to Jamaica, where alcohol consumption is widespread.
The NCDA says its research also revealed alarming trends in binge drinking, defined as consuming five or more drinks on a single occasion.
More than 40 per cent of respondents admitted to engaging in this behaviour, further exacerbating their long-term health risks.
Ms. Kirlew cites the cultural normalisation of alcohol as a significant barrier to reducing harmful drinking, with rum seen as a cultural emblem, embedded in festivities from birth to death.
She says the NCDA's efforts to address alcohol misuse have intensified, with the entity implementing education campaigns, harm reduction initiatives, and early intervention programmes.
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