Excess alcohol consumption raising cancer risk in Ghana - Prof Calys-Tagoe

Professor Benedict Calys-Tagoe, Head of the Department of Community Health at the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS), warned that excessive alcohol consumption is a major lifestyle factor driving cancer cases in Ghana, speaking on JoyNews' AM Show during a discussion on cancer care in the country. Prof Calys-Tagoe said, "If we take alcohol use, alcohol is one of the risk factors. It's not so much of the social drinking… it is the excess drinking."

Prof Calys-Tagoe stated that about 9.4% of Ghanaians engage in binge drinking, while around 4% suffer from alcohol use disorder. He added that 13% of adolescents aged between 10 and 19 also face alcohol-related problems. He explained that excessive drinking places pressure on the liver, which is responsible for breaking down alcohol in the body, and that the risk is linked to quantity rather than the type of alcohol consumed.

His comments come as health experts continue to call for stronger public education on lifestyle diseases and cancer prevention in Ghana, where non-communicable diseases are becoming an increasing burden on the health system. Medical professionals say reducing harmful alcohol use, improving diets, and regular screening remain key steps in lowering cancer risks.