Study Finds Alcohol Doubles Share of Cancer Deaths Over Three Decades in U.S.
Research published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas shows that the proportion of cancer deaths attributable to alcohol consumption has doubled among adults in the United States since 1990, with risk rising even at low drinking levels.
A new analysis of more than three decades of U.S. health data indicates that the share of cancer deaths linked to alcohol consumption has roughly doubled for adults aged 20 and older since 1990. The study, led by Dr. Chinmay Jani of the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, identified increased mortality from at least ten cancer types, including breast, prostate, colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, liver, and head-and-neck cancers.
"While it’s true that overall cancer mortality has declined, we found the percentage of cancer deaths proportionally attributable to alcohol doubled in people 20 and older over the last 33 years," Dr. Jani said.
The researchers reported that even modest intake—about one standard drink per day (12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of 80-proof spirits)—was associated with higher risk. Among adults aged 20-54, colorectal cancer was the leading alcohol-related cause of death for men and the second for women, while breast cancer topped the list for women of all ages.
Data from the Global Burden of Disease study showed annual alcohol-related cancer deaths rising from 11,361 in 1990 to 23,126 in 2023. Mortality rates increased most sharply among men and adults over 55, with liver cancer showing the strongest link for older men and breast cancer for older women.
The analysis also noted that women and younger adults face a higher relative risk from the same amount of alcohol compared with older men. Although the study did not assess the benefits of complete abstinence, the authors emphasized that reducing alcohol consumption to the lowest possible level would likely lower cancer risk.
The findings align with statements from other health experts who argue that no amount of alcohol can be considered safe. Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist not involved in the study, said modern science increasingly shows that even occasional drinking carries health risks.
The study attributes alcohol’s carcinogenic effects to several mechanisms, including the formation of acetaldehyde—a probable human carcinogen—oxidative stress, inflammation, and interference with the absorption of vitamins that protect against cancer. These pathways contribute to DNA damage and weakened cellular defenses, especially when combined with smoking.
The authors call for broader public awareness of alcohol-related cancer risks and suggest that policy guidance on drinking limits may need to be revisited.