CAMPAIGNERS in the region are backing calls to raise awareness of the links between alcohol and cancer.

A new Cancer Research UK report released today (Friday, Nov 18) predicts around 135,000 alcohol-related cancer deaths in the UK over the next 20 years.

The report forecasts an estimated extra £2 billion in cancer costs by 2025 and around 6,700 cancer deaths in the UK every year that are associated with alcohol.

Analysis of the figures by Balance, the North East Alcohol Office, predicts there will be nearly 100,000 more alcohol-related cancer hospital admissions in the region over the next 20 years.

In a bid to raise awareness, Balance is running a campaign highlighting the links between alcohol and at least seven types of cancer.

The second burst of the campaign this year, which focuses on breast cancer, was launched after its evaluation showed people who had seen last years’ campaign were twice as likely to be aware of the connection between alcohol and breast cancer as those who hadn’t.

Balance director Colin Shevills said: “We know many people underestimate how much they drink and how many units we’ve had can be a tricky thing to work out.

"In order to help people make informed choices about how much they drink, we need to provide them with the information they need to think about their alcohol consumption and what they can do to reduce their risk.

“Cancer affects so many people and while there are lots of reasons people develop it, alcohol is one we can do something about. In continuing to raise awareness, we hope to reverse some of the worrying impacts we’re seeing on our nation’s health, highlighted in this latest report.”

For more information about Balance’s alcohol and cancer campaign, visit www.reducemyrisk.tv

People can find Balance on Facebook at www.facebook.com/balance.northeast and on Twitter @BalanceNE. Tweet using #7cancers