A new study presented at this week’s American Society of Clinical Oncology annual conference has found that cancer deaths tied to alcohol use in the United States have doubled over the past three decades, ABC News reports.
The analysis, which examined national death records from 1990 to 2021, shows a growing public health concern as alcohol continues to be linked with a range of cancers.
Researchers reported that annual alcohol-associated cancer deaths rose from 11,896 in 1990 to 23,207 in 2021. The increase has been particularly pronounced among men and adults aged 55 and older.
“We already know tobacco is a major cancer risk factor,” said Dr. Chinmay Jani, the study’s lead author and a clinical fellow in hematology and oncology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. “It’s equally important to recognize alcohol as a significant carcinogen.”
Alcohol is classified as a Group-1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), with evidence linking its use to cancers of the liver, breast, colorectal system, esophagus, mouth, throat, and larynx. According to Jani, even small amounts of alcohol can contribute to cancer risk.
The findings align with a January advisory from the US Surgeon General, which highlighted alcohol’s connection to at least seven types of cancer and called for the inclusion of cancer risk warning labels on alcoholic beverages.
While the study used self-reported drinking data—which can sometimes be unreliable—researchers adjusted for potential inaccuracies using statistical methods.
Men accounted for a 70.2% increase in alcohol-related cancer deaths, compared to a 15.2% rise among women. Researchers point to a combination of behavioral and biological factors, noting that men tend to begin drinking earlier and more heavily than women, which may increase long-term cancer risk.
The study also identified regional disparities. Washington, DC had the highest alcohol-related cancer death rates, while Utah had the lowest, likely reflecting varying cultural and regulatory approaches to alcohol consumption.
Liver cancer emerged as the most prevalent alcohol-associated cancer, particularly in older adults. The study emphasized that individuals with underlying health conditions—such as obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol—are especially vulnerable, even at moderate drinking levels.
“When people start drinking at a young age, the long-term accumulation of alcohol in the body often doesn’t become evident until much later in life,” said Jani.
Co-author Dr. Gilberto Lopes, chief of medical oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, underscored the urgency of implementing targeted prevention strategies and increasing public awareness.
“Our hope is that this study will serve as a catalyst for stronger health messaging and more informed choices about alcohol use,” Lopes said.
