A large Indian study published in BMJ Global Health finds that even low daily alcohol intake—around 9g, which is roughly equal to one standard drink—is associated with a 50 per cent higher risk of mouth (buccal mucosa) cancer in India.
The strongest link is seen in people who consume locally brewed alcoholic beverages. Alcohol use combined with chewing tobacco accounts for about 62 per cent of buccal mucosa cancer cases in India.
Mouth cancer is the second most common cancer in India, with 1,43,759 new diagnoses and 80,000 deaths a year. The most affected site is the buccal mucosa—the soft inner lining of the cheeks and lips. Disease rates have steadily increased, particularly among men, and survival outcomes remain poor.
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Researchers analysed data from 1,803 patients with confirmed buccal mucosa cancer and 1,903 cancer-free individuals across five centres. Participants reported detailed information on alcohol consumption and tobacco use.
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Forty-six per cent of cancer cases occurred among people aged 25 to 45. Compared with non-drinkers, alcohol consumers had a 68 per cent higher risk of developing buccal mucosa cancer. Risk rose to 72 per cent among those who drank internationally recognised alcohol types, and to 87 per cent among those who consumed locally brewed drinks.