Alcohol will lead to around 135,000 deaths from cancer over the next two decades and will cost the NHS an estimated £2bn in treatments, according to a new report by Sheffield University, which was commissioned by Cancer Research UK.

There are approximately 7,100 cancer deaths per year in the UK associated to alcohol, and oesophageal cancer is on trend to increase more than all other cancer types.

The report also indicated that there will be more than 1.2 million hospital admissions for cancer over the estimated period and will cost the NHS £100m every year, on an average.

"A 50p minimum price per units of alcohol could cut down deaths associated with alcohol by around 7,200."

The findings were based on the assumption that alcohol consumption will be same as that observed over last 40 years, including the recent decrease.

Evidence indicates that the more alcohol one drinks, the higher the risk of cancer.

According to UK Government guidelines published earlier this year, both men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week.

Another study conducted by Cancer Research UK earlier this year indicates that nine out of ten people are unaware that alcohol consumption might lead to cancer.

The report also examined the effect of introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol in England.

It found that over a 20 years period, a 50p minimum price per units of alcohol could cut down deaths associated with alcohol by around 7,200, including approximately 670 cancer deaths. It would also reduce healthcare costs by £1.3bn. This follows a recent court decision in Scotland, which found that a minimum unit price would not break European law.

Cancer Research UK director of prevention Alison Cox said: “These new figures reveal the devastating impact alcohol will have over the coming years. That’s why it’s hugely important the public are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer, and what they can do to improve their risk.

“If we are to change the nation’s drinking habits and try to mitigate the impact alcohol will have then national health campaigns are needed to provide clear information about the health risks of drinking alcohol.”

Alcohol Health Alliance chair Ian Gilmore said: “These latest figures show the serious consequences for individuals, the NHS and society if the UK Government continues to ignore the consequences of the nation’s drinking.

"The public have the right to know about how their drinking impacts their health, so that they are empowered to make informed choices.”

Image: 135,000 alcohol-related cancer deaths are predicted by 2035. Photo: Courtesy of Cancer Research UK.