Even Occasional Drinking Can Increase Risk Of Oral Cancer In Men: Study

Last Updated:December 29, 2025, 20:14 IST

The study covered not just beer and whisky but also local liquor such as desi daru, tharra and mahua, which are widely consumed in rural belts.

A major multi-centre study published in BMJ Global Health has warned that even small or occasional alcohol consumption can sharply increase the risk of buccal mucosa cancer, an aggressive form of oral cancer, among men.

Buccal mucosa cancer affects the inner lining of the cheek and is regarded as one of the deadliest oral cancers, with a majority of patients surviving less than five years after diagnosis. India already records one of the world’s highest burdens of oral cancer, largely driven by tobacco and alcohol use.

The latest findings come from research conducted across six leading cancer centres in the country between 2010 and 2021. The study examined 1,803 men diagnosed with buccal mucosa cancer and compared them with 1,903 cancer-free men to assess the role of alcohol as a risk factor.

Importantly, the study covered not just beer and whisky but also locally brewed liquour such as desi daru, tharra and mahua, which are widely consumed in rural belts. Researchers reported that all forms of alcohol, regardless of type, frequency or quantity, were associated with a significantly higher cancer risk. Even men who drank occasionally or consumed small amounts were found to be at elevated risk.

Experts involved in the research said the findings reinforce a crucial message: there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cancer risk.

Doctors also warned that buccal mucosa cancer is often detected late, leading to poor survival outcomes. With alcohol and tobacco use already posing a major public health challenge in India, particularly in rural areas, the researchers stressed the need for stronger awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of both commercial and locally brewed alcohol.

The World Health Organisation has previously issued similar guidance, stating that even the first drop of alcohol can raise the risk of cancer, and rejecting claims that light or moderate drinking is harmless.

Health experts say the safest way to reduce the risk of mouth cancer is to completely avoid alcohol and tobacco, while also seeking early medical advice for any persistent oral lesions or unexplained mouth problems.