Published
07 Sep, 2018
Alcohol is a known carcinogen for humans, increasing the risk of oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, oesophageal, liver, colorectal and (female) breast cancers.1-3 There is also evidence that the risk of developing these cancers increases with higher levels of alcohol consumption (i.e., that there is a dose-response relationship).4, 5 Notably, even small amounts of alcohol can increase cancer risk. In addition, the joint effect of alcohol consumption and behavioural risk factors such as smoking and poor dietary practices further increases risk of cancers. 1, 3, 6
Summary
Apparent alcohol consumption in Australia peaked in 1974-75
Apparent alcohol consumption peaked in Australia in 1974-75 at annual per capita consumption of 13.1 litres. In 2016-17, apparent annual per capita consumption was around 28% lower than in 1974-75 (9.7 litres per capita).
Since 2006-07, apparent alcohol consumption has decreased overall
An overall decrease in apparent alcohol consumption was observed from 2006-07 (10.8 litres per capita) to 2016-17 (9.4 litres per capita).
Australia’s annual alcohol consumption is relatively high compared to other developed countries
The most recent data showed that among 18 selected developed countries, annual alcohol consumption was in the range of 6 to 12 litres per capita. Australian annual alcohol consumption was sixth-highest among the selected countries at 9.7 litres capita.
Data
Revision Type
Minor
Version Number
1.22