Recent research shows that over 5% of cancer cases are linked to alcohol consumption, according to the 2024 Cancer Progress Report released by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Alcohol ranks third among cancer risk factors, following obesity and cigarette smoking. Dr. Rajarshi Sengupta, the lead author of the report, highlighted how excessive alcohol consumption heightens the risk of six different types of cancer, including certain head and neck cancers, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and breast, colorectal, liver, and stomach cancers. The report suggests that reducing or eliminating alcohol intake 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, discussed how perceptions of alcohol's health effects are changing, emphasizing that alcohol consumption is 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 rates. Dr. Scioli highlighted the toxic nature of alcohol and its adverse effects on various organs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate alcohol use as one drink per day for women and two drinks for men, cautioning that even low alcohol consumption levels can elevate cancer risk. Despite the well-known link between tobacco and cancer, public awareness of alcohol's role in cancer risk remains insufficient. The AACR reported that 51% of Americans are unaware of this association. Dr. Scioli stressed the importance of enhancing public awareness and recommended reducing alcohol intake to decrease cancer risk."To tackle the risks associated with drinking, Sengupta suggested launching public awareness campaigns and implementing cancer-specific cautionary labels on alcoholic drinks. Additionally, effective clinical interventions should be explored to decrease alcohol intake," she stated. "Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month: Identify Risk Factors and Early Symptoms."