Cancer deaths linked to alcohol on the rise in the U.S.

Research has shown that the number of annual cancer deaths linked to alcohol has doubled in the United States in the last three decades, increasing from just under 12,000 in 1990 to over 23,000 in 2021. The rise in deaths was particularly notable among men aged 55 and older. Despite an overall 35% decrease in cancer deaths in the U.S. during the same period, the findings suggest a concerning trend related to alcohol consumption and cancer. The study, which focused on seven alcohol-related cancers, will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago next week. The research has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Expert opinions emphasize the significance of alcohol as a carcinogen and its role in contributing to various cancers. Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde in the body, a known carcinogen that can lead to DNA damage and increase susceptibility to cancer. The International Agency on Cancer Research classified alcohol as a carcinogen in 1987, linking it to cancers of the head and neck, liver, breast, and colorectal. A report from the former U.S. surgeon general recommended cancer warning labels on alcoholic drinks, emphasizing that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.

The study revealed a substantial increase in alcohol-related cancer deaths among men and women from 1991 to 2021. Men saw a 56% rise, while women experienced an 8% increase in deaths from these cancers. The research also highlighted variations in alcohol-related cancer deaths among different states and age groups, with older individuals showing higher rates of alcohol-related cancer deaths.

Moving forward, researchers aim to explore how different racial and ethnic groups are affected by alcohol consumption in relation to cancer risk. The study underscores the need for a shift in messaging around alcohol consumption to better inform individuals about the health risks associated with even moderate drinking.