We've established an alcohol policy program in response to Australian data showing that alcohol intake accounts for 3.1% of the total cancer burden and a net effect (i.e. harmful and beneficial effects) of 2.3% of the total burden of disease. In 2003, there were an estimated 2,844 new cases of cancer and 1,358 deaths from cancer attributed to excessive alcohol consumption.
The program focuses on strategies that will help reduce alcohol consumption in the community, thereby reducing alcohol related harm, including cancer. A primary aim is to develop and advocate for regulatory change to reduce the marketing of alcohol and to advocate for other policy reforms to support a reduction in the consumption of alcohol.
The program is part funded by VicHealth
