Two-thirds of Australians are unaware that alcohol increases the risk of cancer, sparking new calls for all beer, wine and spirits to carry health warnings, reports The Advertiser.

The Salvation Army has launched its 2006 Alcohol Awareness campaign to highlight the dangers of alcohol abuse and the cancer link.

The group's spokesman, Major Mike Coleman, said it was "high time" Australia followed other countries and put clear warning labels on alcohol. "What is of such concern is that people don't know the facts - and they need to," he said.

The Cancer Council SA Chief Executive, Associate Professor Brenda Wilson, said people needed to be aware that drinking alcohol increased the risk of some cancers - of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver and breast. She recommended alcohol consumption be limited or avoided altogether.

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