Epigraph:
They ask thee concerning wine and the game of hazard. Say: ‘In both there is great sin and also some advantages for men; but their sin is greater than their advantage.’ And they ask thee what they should spend. Say: ‘What you can spare.’ Thus does Allah make His commandments clear to you that you may reflect. (Al Quran 2:220).
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Matthew 7:16-20)
Cancer Care Ontario says drinking linked to liver, colorectal, breast and oral cancers
Courtesy: Dr. Hameed Mirza, Canada
CBC News Posted: Apr 22, 2014 5:56 PM
Alcohol consumption is linked to an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 new cases of cancer in Ontario a year, the province’s cancer agency says.
Cancer Care Ontario released a report Tuesday – titled “Cancer Risk Factors in Ontario: Alcohol” – which suggests a third of Canadians are aware of the link between drinking alcohol and cancer.
Drinking alcohol has been shown to cause oral cancers as well as esophageal, larynx, liver, colorectal and breast cancers, said Dr. Linda Rabeneck, vice-president of prevention and cancer control for Cancer Care Ontario.
The agency estimated that in 2010, alcohol accounted for two to four per cent of all new cancer cases in Ontario.
“These findings highlight a substantial opportunity for increasing public awareness of alcohol as a carcinogen and ultimately reducing alcohol consumption,” the report’s authors concluded.
The World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research recommend that if alcohol is consumed, the number of drinks should be limited to:
– No more than two drinks per day for day for men.
– One drink per day for women.
Earlier this month, Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa unveiled plans for 10 LCBO liquor kiosks to open in grocery stores as part of a one-year pilot project.
Cancer Care Ontario reiterated its recommendations to the provincial government to:
– Maintain and reinforce socially responsible pricing for alcohol, such as minimum pricing at or above consumer price index, and price disincentives for higher alcohol content beverages.
– Ensure effective controls on alcohol availability, such as no increase in outlet density, no further privatization, such as the LCBO kiosk plans for grocery stores.
– Strengthen controls on alcohol marketing and promotion.
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