On February 11, 2026, a roundtable event titled "Alcohol as a Preventable Risk Factor for Cancer: What This Could Mean for Estonia's Alcohol Policy?" will take place in the Estonian Parliament's conference hall. The event aims to highlight the connections between alcohol consumption and the development of various types of cancer, as well as emphasizing the importance of prevention and discussing evidence-based solutions for improving public health. Organized by the Estonian Tobacco and Alcohol Damage Reduction Institute (ETAK) in cooperation with the parliamentary working group on Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Harm Reduction, the discussion intends to foster a more informed dialogue on this pressing issue.

The link between alcohol and cancer has been recognized since 1988 when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, alongside other notorious substances like tobacco and asbestos. Scientific evidence has established that alcohol consumption is responsible for at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and liver cancer. Furthermore, experts have concluded that there is no safe amount of alcohol when it comes to cancer risk, underscoring the seriousness of this public health challenge in Estonia and beyond.

Various estimates indicate the significant extent of the alcohol-related cancer issue facing Estonian society, prompting calls from health advocates for stricter policies to combat this crisis. As this roundtable approaches, stakeholders will likely engage in intense discussions about potential regulatory measures, including the possibility of more stringent alcohol restrictions and the broader implications for health policy and community wellbeing. This conversation is crucial as Estonia navigates its public health strategies in relation to alcohol consumption and cancer risk, aiming to protect and improve the health of its citizens.