Does Alcohol Increase Risk of Cancer?

The impact of alcohol and cancer risk has been recently featured in the news. A new U.S. Surgeon General’s report seeks to raise awareness about the link between drinking alcohol and developing seven types of cancer. This report was released on January 3, 2025. Below are some of the key findings:

• Alcohol use is one of the leading preventable causes of cancer in the U.S., contributing to nearly 100,000 cancer cases and about 20,000 cancer deaths each year.
• Less than half of U.S. adults are aware of the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.
• The direct link between alcohol use and cancer was first established in the late 1980s, and evidence for this link has strengthened over time.
• Scientific evidence demonstrates a causal relationship between alcohol use and increased risk for at least seven different types of cancer, including breast (in women), colon, esophagus, liver, mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx).
• The more alcohol consumed, the greater the risk of cancer.
• For certain cancers, like breast, mouth, and throat cancers, evidence shows that this risk may start to increase around one or fewer drinks per day.

Does this mean that people should avoid all alcohol? ECHO physician, Dr. Brittany McCall shares, “The data shows that alcohol consumption has health ramifications and can increase the the risk for certain cancers. While people may not choose to completely avoid alcohol, it is important to understand the risks and limit consumption. We have evidence now to show that cancer treatment outcomes, especially breast cancer, are better for patients who minimize alcohol use.”

Below is some helpful information that explores the role of alcohol and cancer:

Talk to your ECHO provider to discuss any questions or concerns.  

Click here for the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory Report.