According to the knowledge institute, there is still a lot to be gained by increasing knowledge in this area. “This could be done, for example, by requiring health warnings about alcohol and cancer (‘Alcohol increases the risk of colon cancer’) on labels of alcoholic beverages, as this can increase awareness and the intention to drink less alcohol, even in the case of excessive and heavy drinkers,” Trimbos said.
The study also shows that 52 percent of the respondents know that alcohol consumption can increase the risk of miscarriage, crying baby and learning and behavioral problems in the child. “More information about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is needed, especially for adults who want to have children or who are pregnant.” According to the institute, healthcare professionals can play an important role “in identifying and discussing alcohol use around pregnancy, whereby they can use the zero standard of the Health Council as an aid”.