Even Small Amounts of Alcohol Linked to Oral Cancer in Indian Men: Study Suggests - Video

Even a small sip of alcohol can be risky. A large multicentre study published in BMJ Global Health has found that even minimal alcohol consumption sharply increases the risk of buccal mucosa cancer (BMC)-one of India’s most aggressive and common forms of oral cancer. The findings challenge the widespread belief that “moderate drinking” is harmless and raise urgent public health concerns, especially in regions where locally brewed liquors are popular and poorly regulated.

Buccal mucosa cancer affects the inner lining of the cheeks and accounts for a majority of oral cancer cases in India. It is a fast spreading disease with a five year survival rate of just around 43%. While tobacco has long been recognized as a primary cause, alcohol often plays an overlooked yet dangerous role. To understand its impact, researchers from six cancer centres across India analyzed the drinking habits of 1,803 male patients diagnosed with BMC and 1,903 cancer free men between 2010 and 2021.

The team assessed different types of alcoholic beverages-from globally known drinks like beer and whisky to locally distilled varieties such as desi daru, tharra, and mahua, often consumed in rural areas. Using statistical models that adjusted for tobacco use and other confounders, they discovered that men who had ever consumed alcohol faced a 68% higher risk of developing buccal mucosa cancer compared to lifelong abstainers. Alarmingly, even those drinking under 9 grams of alcohol a day—less than one standard drink—showed a measurable increase in risk, revealing that there may be no safe limit.

Locally brewed liquors were found to be particularly hazardous. Ever users of country liquor had almost double the risk, with tharra and desi daru topping the danger list, while beer and whisky were consistently associated with elevated risk even at low consumption levels. The study also revealed a potent synergy between alcohol and tobacco, especially smokeless forms—together accounting for nearly 60% of all BMC cases in the population studied.

This landmark study sends a clear message: there is no such thing as safe drinking when it comes to oral cancer—and home brewed alcohol may pose an even greater threat.

REFERENCE: George GS, Patil A, Moirangthem R, Doibale PN, Manjrekar A, Golapkar SV, et al. Association of alcohol and different types of alcoholic beverages on the risk of buccal mucosa cancer in Indian men: a multicentre case-control study. BMJ Global Health. 2025;10:e017392. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2024-017392