A new study unveiled at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual conference reveals a troubling trend: alcohol-related cancer deaths in the U.S. have doubled from 1990 to 2021. The findings highlight a critical and growing public health concern that disproportionately affects men and older adults, urging immediate action to improve awareness and prevention.
Alcohol-Related Cancer Deaths Surge: 11,896 in 1990 to 23,207 in 2021
Researchers analyzed nationwide mortality data over a 30-year span, discovering that alcohol-attributable cancer deaths nearly doubled, rising from 11,896 in 1990 to 23,207 in 2021. The study sheds light on the long-term impact of alcohol consumption and its role in increasing cancer risk and mortality rates.
Alcohol is a Carcinogen: Even Small Amounts Increase Cancer Risk
Dr. Chinmay Jani, lead author and clinical fellow at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, emphasized that alcohol is a known carcinogen. Even moderate or occasional drinking can increase the risk of developing various cancers. “Alcohol is a risk factor just like tobacco,” Dr. Jani noted. “It doesn’t take high levels of consumption to cause harm.”
Surgeon General Advisory: Alcohol Linked to 7 Types of Cancer
In January 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a public advisory confirming alcohol’s role in at least seven types of cancer, including:
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Mouth and throat cancers
- Laryngeal cancer
This aligns with findings from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen—the same category as tobacco and asbestos.
Gender Disparities: Men See 70% Increase in Alcohol-Related Cancer Deaths
The study revealed significant gender disparities:
- Men: 70.2% increase in alcohol-associated cancer deaths
- Women: 15.2% increase
This gap may be influenced by earlier alcohol use in men, riskier drinking patterns, and biological differences in how men and women metabolize alcohol.
Geographic Trends: Washington D.C. Has Highest Rates, Utah the Lowest
Researchers found sharp regional variations in alcohol-related cancer mortality:
- Highest rates: Washington, D.C.
- Lowest rates: Utah
These differences likely reflect cultural norms and alcohol consumption habits, underlining the need for region-specific health campaigns.
Liver Cancer Identified as Most Fatal Alcohol-Linked Cancer
Among alcohol-related cancers, liver cancer emerged as the deadliest, particularly for adults aged 55 and older. Even low-to-moderate alcohol intake poses a significant threat, especially when paired with:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
The findings raise alarms given the growing obesity epidemic in the U.S.
Youth Drinking Has Long-Term Impact on Cancer Risk
Dr. Jani emphasized the cumulative effect of alcohol exposure:
“When people start drinking at a younger age, it accumulates in the body, increasing cancer risk in later life.”
This calls for early intervention and youth education programs to reduce future disease burden.
Public Health Leaders Call for Stronger Alcohol Warnings and Regulations
Dr. Gilberto Lopes, co-author and Chief of Medical Oncology at Sylvester, stressed the importance of education and regulation:
“We hope this study raises awareness of how alcohol increases cancer risk. Public policy and warning labels must reflect these dangers.”
Recommendations include:
- Cancer warning labels on alcohol bottles
- Restrictions on alcohol advertising
- Community-level education campaigns
How Individuals Can Reduce Their Alcohol-Linked Cancer Risk
Health professionals urge individuals to:
- Limit alcohol (no more than 1 drink/day for women, 2 for men)
- Avoid binge drinking
- Combine moderation with regular health screenings
- Address other risk factors (like smoking, poor diet, and inactivity)
Conclusion: Alcohol-Related Cancer Deaths Demand National Attention
This landmark study offers a wake-up call to the American public and policymakers alike. As alcohol remains widely accepted and glamorized, its deadly link to cancer is too often ignored. The findings underscore the urgent need for greater awareness, stricter regulations, and stronger personal health choices.
Reducing alcohol-related cancer deaths requires a united effort—from government initiatives and healthcare systems to individual responsibility and societal change.
