A new report from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) highlights a strong connection between excessive alcohol consumption and the risk of developing six different types of cancer. These include breast, colorectal, and liver cancers, among others.
In 2019, alcohol consumption was linked to 5.4% of cancers in the United States. Research suggests that by reducing alcohol intake, individuals can lower their risk of developing alcohol-related cancers.
The AACR’s 2024 Cancer Progress Report, released on Sept. 18, emphasizes this link, particularly as the rates of some alcohol-related cancers increase among younger adults. The report states that 40% of all cancers in the United States are associated with modifiable risk factors, such as excessive alcohol use, smoking, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. Lowering alcohol consumption can significantly reduce the risk of cancer.
A study cited in the report found that people who quit drinking or reduced their alcohol consumption lowered their risk of alcohol-related cancers by 8%, while also reducing their overall cancer risk by 4%.
Types of Cancers Linked to Alcohol Use
Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing the following six cancers:
- Certain types of head and neck cancers
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
- Liver cancer
- Stomach cancers
In addition, starting to drink alcohol at a young age can increase the likelihood of developing cancer later in life. The report also highlights research showing that moderate to heavy drinking during pregnancy may increase the risk of leukemia in children.
Despite a general decline in the overall cancer death rate in the United States between 1991 and 2021, some cancers — especially those affecting adults younger than 50 — are on the rise, including breast and colorectal cancers.
Awareness of Cancer Risks Related to Alcohol
Although cutting back on alcohol can lower cancer risk, many people remain unaware of this association. For example, a survey from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center revealed that 51% of participants did not link alcohol use with colon cancer, despite research indicating otherwise.
The AACR advocates for increased public health messaging about the cancer-related dangers of alcohol, akin to the campaigns that raised awareness about smoking and lung cancer. Suggestions include adding cancer-specific warning labels on alcoholic beverages and improving education in healthcare settings to help patients make informed decisions.
Reducing Cancer Risk by Moderating Alcohol Consumption
The AACR recommends following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which suggest drinking in moderation. For women, this means no more than one drink per day, and for men, no more than two drinks per day. Excessive alcohol consumption poses a higher cancer risk, so staying within these limits can help reduce the chance of developing cancer.
Conclusion
Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to six types of cancer, including head and neck, breast, colorectal, esophageal, liver, and stomach cancers. Lowering alcohol intake can significantly reduce the risk of these cancers. Public health initiatives and individual lifestyle changes can help decrease the burden of alcohol-related cancers in the population.
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