Recent research findings from the 2024 Cancer Progress Report by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) show that alcohol consumption is associated with over 5% of cancer cases. Alcohol ranks as the third risk factor for cancer, after obesity and cigarette smoking. According to the report's lead author, Dr. Rajarshi Sengupta, excessive alcohol intake can elevate the risk of six types of cancer, including certain head and neck cancers, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, breast, colorectal, liver, and stomach cancers. The report suggests that reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can lower the risk of alcohol-related cancers by 8% and overall cancer risk by 4%.

Dr. Adam Scioli, an addiction psychiatrist at Caron Treatment Centers, highlighted the changing perceptions of alcohol's impact on health. He pointed out that while there were previous beliefs about alcohol being beneficial for health, it is now recognized as a modifiable risk factor for cancer. Data from the AACR reveal that 75,000 Americans are diagnosed with alcohol-related cancers annually, with the risk escalating with higher alcohol intake frequency and volume. Dr. Scioli emphasized the toxicity of alcohol and its adverse effects on various organs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate alcohol consumption as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks for men, cautioning that even low alcohol use levels can heighten the risk of specific cancers. Despite the well-established link between smoking and cancer, there remains limited public awareness regarding alcohol's role in cancer risk. The AACR reports that half of Americans are unaware of this connection. Dr. Scioli stressed the significance of raising public awareness and recommended reducing alcohol consumption to mitigate cancer risk."In alcohol consumption lies inherent risks," he stated. To tackle this issue, Sengupta proposed public awareness campaigns and cancer-related cautionary labels on alcohol products. Additionally, effective clinical approaches should be explored to promote reduced alcohol intake, she emphasized. Information on risk factors and early symptoms of thyroid cancer in observance of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month.