The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) recently published its 2024 Cancer Progress Report, which highlights a strong link between excessive alcohol consumption and six different types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and liver cancer. The report also noted that in 2019, 5.4% of cancers in the United States were attributed to alcohol consumption.
Research shows that by reducing alcohol intake, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing certain types of cancer. A 2022 study cited by the AACR found that sustained quitting or reducing alcohol consumption was associated with lower risks of alcohol-related and all cancers. The report indicates that people who reduce or stop drinking can decrease their risk of alcohol-related cancers by 8% and their risk of all cancer by 4% compared to those who continue drinking at their current level or increase their alcohol consumption.
While the overall cancer death rate in the United States has declined between 1991 and 2021, some cancers, particularly early-onset cancers in adults younger than 50, are on the rise, including breast and colorectal cancer. The AACR emphasizes the importance of public health messaging to educate individuals about the cancer risks associated with alcohol consumption. This includes campaigns similar to those that raised awareness about the dangers of tobacco use, which helped reduce lung cancer deaths.
Nilesh Vora, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist, highlighted the need for improved public health messaging and education about the risks of alcohol consumption to help individuals make better choices for their health. The AACR recommends that individuals consume alcohol in moderation, with one or fewer drinks per day for women and two or fewer drinks per day for men to minimize the risk of developing alcohol-related cancers.