TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan observed No Alcohol Day on Friday, spotlighting the severe health risks linked to alcohol, particularly for nearly half the population who are genetically predisposed to alcohol intolerance.
About 49% of people in Taiwan have a genetic deficiency in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) enzyme, which causes alcohol intolerance. This condition leads to a buildup of acetaldehyde in the body, greatly increasing the cancer risk, per CNA.
National Taiwan University Hospital said that alcohol is associated with at least seven forms of cancer, including liver, breast, oral, and colorectal cancers. The risk rises for people with ALDH2 deficiency who drink regularly.
A National Taiwan University research shows that drinkers are seven times more likely to develop cancer than non-drinkers. Among those with alcohol intolerance, the risk surges to 70 times higher, and up to 300 times higher for individuals who also smoke and chew betel nut.
Former Vice President and Academia Sinica academician Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) compared alcohol to tobacco as a confirmed carcinogen, urging the public to avoid alcohol entirely or reduce consumption. He noted that oral cancer rates have risen in Taiwan, with tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut the top contributing factors.
National Health Insurance Administration Deputy Director General Chen Liang-yu (陳亮妤) revealed that alcohol-related diagnoses cost Taiwan’s health insurance system NT$5.7 billion (US$189 million) annually. Lowering alcohol consumption could ease the system’s financial burden, Chen said.
Chen Chien-jen called for expanded cancer screening programs that include individuals with alcohol use histories, not just tobacco or betel nut users. He also proposed government-sponsored polymerase chain reaction testing to identify those genetically at risk for alcohol intolerance.
Alcohol reduction is part of the government's “888 Program,” which encourages lifestyle counseling for disease prevention. Chen Liang-yu reiterated that avoiding alcohol and tobacco remains one of the most effective ways to prevent chronic illness.
She warned that alcohol also worsens mental health by aggravating anxiety and reducing impulse control. Data links alcohol to one in five suicide cases in Taiwan.
In response, Taiwan has opened its first center dedicated to alcohol addiction prevention and treatment. A total of 144 medical institutions are currently participating in care programs for alcohol dependency.
