New research indicates that alcohol consumption is linked to more than 5% of all cancer cases, according to the 2024 Cancer Progress Report by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Among risk factors for cancer, alcohol stands third, following obesity and cigarette smoking.
"Excessive levels of alcohol consumption increase the risk for six different types of cancer, including certain types of head and neck cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and breast, colorectal, liver and stomach cancers," stated Rajarshi Sengupta, PhD, the report's lead author.
The report notes that limiting or eliminating alcohol can reduce the risk of developing alcohol-related cancers by 8% and the risk of all cancers by 4%.
Dr. Adam Scioli, an addiction psychiatrist from Caron Treatment Centers, explained the evolving perceptions of alcohol's health impact. "There have even been reports for years that it could be beneficial for one's health — but we know now that alcohol ingestion is one of the modifiable risk factors for cancer," said Scioli.
Data from the AACR highlight that 75,000 Americans are diagnosed with cancers linked to alcohol use each year. Scioli emphasized that the risk increases with the volume and frequency of alcohol consumption. "Alcohol is a toxin," Scioli stated, noting its harmful effects on various organs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate alcohol use as up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks for men. However, the CDC warns that even low levels of alcohol use can raise the risk of certain cancers.
Although the link between tobacco and cancer is well-known, public awareness about alcohol's role in cancer risk remains low. The AACR reports that 51% of Americans are unaware of this connection.
Scioli emphasized the importance of public awareness and suggested that reducing alcohol consumption can lower cancer risk. "We need to do a much better job of making the public aware of the risks inherent in drinking," he said.
To address this, Sengupta called for public messaging campaigns and cancer-specific warning labels on alcoholic beverages. Effective clinical strategies must also be considered to help reduce alcohol consumption, she added.
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