Euro WeeksAlcohol-related cancer deaths are rising − and it's not just the liver being impacted by alcohol consumption. In a study published Aug. 2 in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, researchers found alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the United States doubled from about 11,400 in 1990 to more than 23,100 in 2023. Beyond liver cancer, the study revealed growing incidences of colorectal, breast, esophageal, pancreatic, and other cancers.
Dr. Chinmay Jani, corresponding author and chief fellow in hematology and oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, noted the surprising breadth of alcohol’s impact across cancer types, though its relationship with liver cancer is widely recognized. The study also highlighted that even low intake levels—such as 5–15 grams per day—can elevate cancer risk.
A standard drink in the U.S. is defined as 0.6 ounces (14 grams) of pure alcohol. The research, led by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, analyzed 30 years of Global Burden of Disease data, acknowledging limitations due to observational design. Dr.
Gilberto Lopes, senior author and chief of the Division of Medical Oncology at Sylvester, emphasized that alcohol is a modifiable risk factor for cancer, affecting diverse populations. Physicians and researchers are encouraged to educate patients on reducing alcohol consumption as part of broader cancer risk reduction strategies.
Source: USA Today
