Oral Presentation
Alcohol Policies to Reduce Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol-related Cancer Risk: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Evidence Evaluation David Jernigan, MA, PhD
Boston University School of Public Health

Abstract: Goals and rationale: IARC has classified alcoholic beverages as a Group 1 carcinogen on the basis of sufficient evidence of causality for seven types of cancer. In addition, IARC reported that reduction or cessation of alcoholic beverage consumption reduces alcohol-related cancer risk. A large Working Group of researchers reviewed and qualitatively evaluated the strength of the evidence regarding the potential for selected policy interventions to reduce alcohol consumption.

Drink Less for Your Breasts: Survey Findings to Advance Alcohol Policy Priscilla Martinez-Matyszczyk, MPhil, PhD
Alcohol Research Group/Public Health Institute

Abstract: Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen, yet public awareness of its link to breast cancer remains low in the United States, limiting support for effective alcohol policies. This session focuses on findings from a national survey of adult women examining awareness of the alcohol–breast cancer link, exposure to alcohol-related messaging, trusted sources of information, and attitudes toward alcohol policy. Earlier studies found substantial gaps in awareness, with clear disparities across demographic groups that have implications for equitable policy support. The survey will further identify which message frames and communication channels most effectively increase recognition of alcohol-related cancer risk and strengthen public backing for evidence-based policy approaches. The survey will also assess increased support for strategies such as alcohol warning labels, restrictions on marketing, and other population-level policy interventions. Findings will also highlight how messaging influences policy-relevant attitudes, including perceived government responsibility, acceptability of regulation, and prioritization of alcohol-related harm prevention. The session will demonstrate how these insights can inform the design of public education efforts that build public demand for policy change and create conditions for successful policy adoption and implementation.

Messaging to Resolve Uncertain and Inaccurate Beliefs About Alcohol Cancer Harms Jennifer L. Hay, PhD
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Abstract: Goals and rationale: Awareness of the cancer harms of alcohol is low in the United States, which impedes policy support and risk reduction. Improving population awareness requires evidence to guide educational messaging, particularly among those who are uncertain (reporting “don’t know”) about the alcohol-cancer link, or who believe that alcohol reduces, or is unrelated to, cancer risk.

NY Cancer Plan Adapts to Emerging Science on Alcohol-Related Risk Emily Payne, MSPH
New York State Department of Health

Abstract: Rationale: Increasing evidence supports a causal pathway between alcohol and cancer, even at low levels of consumption. Less than three quarters of adults in New York report understanding that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk. Comprehensive Cancer Control Plans (Cancer Plans), public health roadmaps for reducing cancer burden, may not reflect the emerging evidence on alcohol-related risk.