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The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) released its 2024 Cancer Progress Report on September 18, revealing a concerning connection between alcohol consumption and six different types of cancer. As rates of certain cancers rise among younger adults, the report emphasizes that people can take steps to lower their risk of developing these diseases, especially by reducing alcohol intake.
Alcohol and Cancer Risk
According to the AACR, 40 per cent of all cancers in the United States are linked to modifiable risk factors, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of physical activity, and an unhealthy diet. Excessive alcohol use, in particular, plays a significant role in the development of certain cancers. By cutting back on alcohol or quitting entirely, people can significantly decrease their risk of alcohol-related cancers.
Research cited by the AACR shows that higher alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing not only alcohol-related cancers but all types of cancer. A 2022 study included in the report found that reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of cancer, with those who reduce their drinking seeing an 8 per cent decrease in their risk of alcohol-related cancers and a 4 per cent decrease in their overall cancer risk.
Cancers Linked to Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption has been directly linked to six types of cancer:
– Head and neck cancers
– Breast cancer
– Colorectal cancer
– Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
– Liver cancer
– Stomach cancer
In 2019, an estimated 5.4 per cent of cancers in the United States were attributed to alcohol consumption. Early alcohol use also poses long-term risks, as individuals who start drinking at a young age are more likely to develop cancer later in life.
Alarmingly, research also shows that moderate to high alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the likelihood of the child developing leukaemia after birth. This adds another layer of concern about the widespread effects of alcohol on public health.
Rising Cancer Rates in Younger Adults
While the overall cancer death rate in the United States has declined since 1991—saving an estimated 4.1 million lives—some cancers are still increasing, especially among younger adults. Early-onset cancers, which develop in adults under 50, are on the rise. Breast and colorectal cancers are among the cancers most frequently diagnosed in this younger age group.
The AACR report highlights the importance of public awareness about the risks of alcohol use and cancer. While reducing alcohol intake can lower the risk of developing cancer, many people remain unaware of the connection between alcohol and cancer.
A survey by Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center found that 51 per cent of respondents did not associate alcohol with colon cancer, while most identified family history as a primary risk factor. This gap in understanding underscores the need for improved public health messaging.
Increasing Awareness and Educating the Public
Nilesh Vora, MD, medical director of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute in Long Beach, California, notes that the link between alcohol and cancer has been well established for years, yet many people are still unaware of this risk. “It’s surprising to me that a lot of people, as was documented in this report, aren’t aware of that,” Vora said.
The AACR recommends launching public health campaigns, similar to those used to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking, to educate the public about the risks of alcohol-related cancers. These campaigns could include cancer-specific warning labels on alcoholic beverages, which would help inform people about the risks associated with drinking.
Vora also stressed the importance of educating patients in healthcare settings. "This [education] starts at the primary care physician’s office," he said, "where we can work on making sure patients are aware of the risks of alcohol, and as a result, make better choices for themselves."
How Much Alcohol is Safe?
The AACR’s report includes guidelines for safe alcohol consumption, based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. For women, the recommendation is to limit alcohol to one drink or less per day, and for men, two drinks or less per day.
Vora explains that the real danger lies in excessive alcohol consumption. "It’s excessive levels of alcohol consumption that increase the risk of cancer," he said. "So you want to stay under the moderate level."
While moderate alcohol consumption is less risky, it’s essential to recognize that any amount of alcohol can increase cancer risk. Reducing alcohol intake or abstaining altogether is one of the most effective ways people can protect themselves from alcohol-related cancers.
In its 2024 report, the AACR emphasizes the need for widespread public health campaigns to raise awareness of the cancer risks associated with alcohol consumption. The report highlights the importance of making informed decisions about alcohol use to reduce the growing burden of cancer.
By making small but impactful changes—such as cutting back on alcohol consumption—people can significantly reduce their cancer risk and improve their overall health. The AACR’s message is clear: greater awareness and informed choices can help save lives.