How Alcohol Consumption Can Increase Cancer Risk

Even occasional alcohol consumption can have significant health consequences, including an increased risk of cancer, the Daily Mail reports.

While many people associate alcohol with liver disease or cardiovascular issues, research has established a clear link between alcohol and several types of cancer.

A 2025 report from the US Surgeon General estimates that alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer in the US, contributing to approximately 100,000 cases and 20,000 deaths annually. Studies have shown that alcohol consumption is causally linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, pancreas, stomach, colon, rectum, and breast.

Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) classify alcohol as a carcinogen. In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) placed alcohol in its highest-risk category—Group 1 carcinogens, which also includes tobacco and asbestos. Despite this classification, awareness remains low, with only 45% of Americans knowing that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk, compared to 89% who understand the dangers of smoking.

Scientists have identified several mechanisms by which alcohol contributes to cancer development:

• Alcohol Metabolism: When the body processes alcohol, it produces acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct and known carcinogen. Some people with specific genetic mutations break down alcohol faster, leading to higher acetaldehyde levels and increased cancer risk.

• Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage: Alcohol consumption generates free radicals—unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress, damaging DNA and increasing the likelihood of cancerous mutations.

• Hormonal Changes: Alcohol can elevate estrogen levels, which is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. It also depletes vitamin A, a nutrient that helps regulate estrogen.

• Interaction with Other Carcinogens: Alcohol can enhance the absorption of harmful chemicals, such as those found in tobacco. This is why people who both drink and smoke have a significantly higher risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020-2025) recommend that women limit their alcohol intake to one drink per day and men to two drinks per day. However, ongoing discussions about alcohol policy suggest that these guidelines may become stricter in the future.

According to cancer researchers and public health experts, the safest amount of alcohol to consume is none. While occasional drinking may seem harmless, evidence suggests that even small amounts can increase cancer risk over time.

Despite growing evidence, alcohol consumption remains widespread. A 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that over 224 million Americans (79% of those aged 12 and older) have consumed alcohol at some point in their lives. As awareness of alcohol’s risks increases, experts are calling for stronger public health messaging and tighter alcohol regulations, similar to those seen with tobacco.