Recent research from the 2024 Cancer Progress Report by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) reveals that alcohol consumption is associated with more than 5% of all cancer cases. Alcohol ranks third among risk factors for cancer, following obesity and cigarette smoking. The lead author of the report, Rajarshi Sengupta, PhD, stated that excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk for six different types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, as well as breast, colorectal, liver, and stomach cancers. The report suggests that reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can decrease the risk of alcohol-related cancers by 8% and all cancers by 4%. Dr. Adam Scioli from Caron Treatment Centers highlighted that while there have been reports suggesting possible health benefits of alcohol consumption, it is now known to be a modifiable risk factor for cancer. Data from the AACR reveals that 75,000 Americans are diagnosed with alcohol-related cancers annually, with the risk increasing with higher alcohol consumption levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate alcohol use as up to one drink for women and up to two drinks for men per day, but even low levels of alcohol intake can raise the risk of certain cancers. Despite the widely recognized link between tobacco and cancer, public awareness regarding alcohol's role in cancer risk remains low, with 51% of Americans unaware of this connection according to the AACR. Dr. Scioli emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness and encouraging reduced alcohol consumption to lower cancer risk."Inherent in drinking," he stated. To tackle this issue, Sengupta suggested the implementation of public awareness campaigns and the inclusion of cancer-specific warnings on alcoholic drinks. In addition, effective clinical approaches should be explored to support efforts aimed at reducing alcohol intake, she emphasized. It's Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month: Learn About Risk Factors and Early Symptoms.