In a statement, the non-governmental organisation said science has proven that alcohol is the second biggest cause of cancer.
Persons across the globe are marking World Cancer Day today, 4 February 2021, to raise awareness and inspire action for a cancer-free future.
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In a statement, the Director at VALD, Labram Musah, bemoaned the rate at which alcoholic drinks are being advertised on radio and television.
“After tobacco, alcohol is the second biggest cause of cancer – long before other risk factors such as infections, physical inactivity, or sunlight,” a section of the statement said.
“Alcohol causes 10.3 million cancer disability-adjusted life years lost, representing 4.2% of all cancer disability-adjusted life years lost worldwide in 2016.
“For breast cancer globally, alcohol is the single biggest risk factor. In total, alcohol-related cancer causes 650,000 deaths every year,” it added.
The organisation, therefore, called on the government to make cancer prevention a priority.
VALD also wants the implementation of high-impact alcohol policy solutions like alcohol taxation.
“We call on our government to make cancer prevention a priority by implementing high-impact alcohol policy solutions, such as alcohol taxation.
“And we need a national conversation about the real effects of alcohol, such as cancer, to raise public awareness,” the statement added.