Annual alcohol-related cancer deaths in the United States more than doubled between 1990 and 2023, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Researchers estimated that the number of cancer deaths attributable to alcohol rose from 11,361 in 1990 to 23,126 in 2023.
The findings challenge the common perception that alcohol mainly causes liver disease or that only people who drink heavily face meaningful health risks. Alcohol consumption has been associated with several cancers, including breast, colorectal, liver, esophageal, stomach, pancreatic and head and neck cancers.
Although older men experienced the greatest overall burden, researchers observed increases across numerous age groups, cancer types and parts of the country.
What the New Alcohol and Cancer Study Found
The research team examined more than three decades of data from the Global Burden of Disease project.
This large international research program combines information from cancer registries, death records and other health sources to estimate how diseases and risk factors affect populations over time.
According to the new analysis, estimated annual alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the United States increased by more than 100 percent over the 33-year period.
The number grew from approximately 11,400 deaths in 1990 to more than 23,100 in 2023.
These figures are population-level estimates. They do not mean researchers can determine with certainty that alcohol caused a specific individual’s cancer. Instead, scientists use established risk relationships and population data to estimate how many deaths would not have occurred without alcohol exposure.
The distinction is important, but it does not diminish the broader finding: alcohol appears to be contributing to an increasing cancer burden in the United States.
Which Groups Were Most Affected?
Men and adults aged 55 and older experienced the highest alcohol-related cancer mortality burden.
Among men aged 55 and older, the mortality rate attributed to alcohol increased by nearly 24 percent during the study period. Liver cancer accounted for the largest share among older men, followed by esophageal and colorectal cancers.
Among women aged 55 and older, breast cancer was the leading alcohol-attributable cancer cause of death. Liver and colorectal cancers followed.
For men between the ages of 20 and 54, colorectal cancer was the leading alcohol-attributable cause of cancer death identified by the researchers.
The results indicate that alcohol’s cancer effects are not limited to a single organ, age group or section of the population.
How Does Alcohol Increase Cancer Risk?
Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol. When the body processes ethanol, it produces acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can damage DNA and proteins.
DNA contains the instructions that regulate how cells grow, divide and repair themselves. When DNA is damaged, abnormal cells may begin growing uncontrollably, potentially leading to cancer.
Alcohol may also cause oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, both of which can contribute to cellular damage.
It can affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients that help protect cells, including folate. Alcohol also raises estrogen levels, which is one reason drinking is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
In tissues of the mouth and throat, alcohol may make it easier for cells to absorb other cancer-causing substances. The danger can be particularly high when drinking is combined with tobacco use.
What Types of Cancer Are Connected to Alcohol?
Strong scientific evidence connects alcohol consumption with an increased risk of cancers affecting the:
- Mouth
- Throat
- Voice box
- Esophagus
- Liver
- Colon and rectum
- Female breast
Research has also examined possible associations with stomach, pancreatic and prostate cancers.
Beer, wine and liquor all contain ethanol. No type of alcoholic beverage eliminates the cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption.
Red wine is sometimes promoted as offering special health protection because it contains compounds such as resveratrol. However, the National Cancer Institute says there is no evidence that drinking red wine reduces cancer risk.
Can One Drink a Day Increase Cancer Risk?
Cancer risk generally rises as alcohol consumption increases, but evidence indicates that even comparatively low levels of drinking can raise the risk of certain cancers.
For example, women who consume approximately one alcoholic drink per day have a higher average risk of breast cancer than women who drink less than once a week.
A standard drink in the United States contains approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol. This is roughly equal to:
- 12 ounces of regular beer
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits
Serving sizes and alcohol concentrations vary considerably. A large glass of wine, strong beer or generously poured cocktail may contain more than one standard drink.
The fact that risk can begin at a low level does not mean everyone who consumes alcohol will develop cancer. Cancer develops through a combination of genetic, environmental, behavioral and age-related factors.
It means that drinking is one modifiable factor capable of changing a person’s overall risk.
Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk
The association between alcohol and breast cancer is particularly important because public awareness remains limited.
Alcohol can raise estrogen levels and contribute to DNA damage. Both processes can influence breast cancer development.
The CDC identifies breast cancer as the most common alcohol-associated cancer among women. National Cancer Institute research indicates that risk increases as consumption rises, including among women generally classified as light drinkers.
Family history, age, inherited genetic changes, physical activity, weight and hormone exposure can also affect breast cancer risk. Alcohol should therefore be considered as one component of a person’s complete risk profile.
Anyone concerned about an individual risk should speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Can Reducing Alcohol Lower Cancer Risk?
Drinking less alcohol can reduce future exposure to a known carcinogen.
The CDC advises that people can lower their cancer risk by drinking less or choosing not to drink. Someone who does not currently consume alcohol does not need to begin drinking for health reasons.
Risk does not necessarily return to that of a lifelong nondrinker immediately after someone stops drinking. The amount of risk reduction can depend on the cancer type, previous consumption and the length of time since alcohol use ended.
Nevertheless, reducing consumption can provide health benefits.
People who drink heavily or who may be physically dependent on alcohol should seek medical guidance before stopping suddenly. Abrupt withdrawal can be dangerous and, in severe cases, life-threatening.
Why Researchers Consider Alcohol a Preventable Cancer Risk
Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. This classification means sufficient evidence exists that it can cause cancer in humans.
The designation places alcohol in the same evidence category as tobacco smoke and asbestos. It does not mean these substances create identical levels of risk. The category describes the strength of the evidence that they can cause cancer.
The National Cancer Institute estimated that alcohol was responsible for approximately 5 percent of U.S. cancer cases and about 4 percent of cancer deaths in 2019.
Researchers behind the latest study argue that clearer public education could help people make better-informed decisions about drinking.
What the Findings Mean for Americans
The study does not suggest that alcohol is the only reason cancer deaths occur or that every cancer affecting a person who drinks was caused by alcohol.
Instead, it identifies an important population-level trend involving a risk factor that people can modify.
Individuals can discuss alcohol consumption honestly with their healthcare providers, learn what constitutes a standard drink and consider alcohol-free alternatives. Doctors can also incorporate alcohol screening and cancer-risk education into routine care.
The dramatic increase from approximately 11,400 estimated deaths in 1990 to more than 23,100 in 2023 shows why alcohol’s relationship with cancer deserves greater public attention.
For people hoping to reduce their risk, the central message is straightforward: drinking less is safer than drinking more, and not drinking eliminates the cancer risk created specifically by alcohol.
Medical Disclaimer
This article provides general information and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Cancer risk differs from person to person. Anyone concerned about alcohol consumption, cancer risk or withdrawal should consult a qualified healthcare professional. People who may be dependent on alcohol should not stop suddenly without medical guidance.