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Alcohol-related cancer deaths doubled, go beyond liver, study finds
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- Alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the U.S. have doubled from about 11,400 in 1990 to over 23,100 in 2023, affecting not only liver cancer but also colorectal, breast, esophageal, pancreatic, and other cancers.
- Research indicates that even low levels of alcohol consumption, as little as 5-15 grams per day (less than one standard U.S. drink), are linked to an increased risk of developing cancer.
- The study, based on three decades of Global Burden of Disease data and led by the University of Miami's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, highlights the broad impact of alcohol on various cancer types beyond the commonly recognized liver cancer.
- Experts emphasize that alcohol is a modifiable risk factor and that small, informed reductions in alcohol intake could be part of effective strategies to lower cancer risk across diverse populations.
