Recent research has revealed that more than 5% of all cancer cases are associated with alcohol consumption, according to the 2024 Cancer Progress Report from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Alcohol is ranked as the third risk factor for cancer, following obesity and cigarette smoking. The lead author of the report, Rajarshi Sengupta, PhD, stated that excessive alcohol intake increases the risk for six types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and breast, colorectal, liver, and stomach cancers. The report emphasizes that reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can lower the risk of alcohol-related cancers by 8% and all cancers by 4%. Dr. Adam Scioli, an addiction psychiatrist, highlighted the changing perceptions of alcohol's impact on health, noting that while there have been reports suggesting health benefits, alcohol consumption is now recognized as a modifiable risk factor for cancer. Data from the AACR shows that 75,000 Americans are diagnosed with alcohol-related cancers annually, with the risk increasing based on the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate alcohol use as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks for men, but warns that even low levels of alcohol consumption can raise the risk of certain cancers. Despite the well-known link between tobacco and cancer, public awareness of alcohol's role in cancer risk remains low, with 51% of Americans reportedly unaware of this connection, according to the AACR. Scioli emphasized the importance of raising public awareness and suggested that reducing alcohol consumption could help lower cancer risk."Inherent in alcohol consumption is the risk of cancer," he remarked. Sengupta suggested promoting public awareness through messaging campaigns and implementing cancer-related warning labels on alcoholic drinks. Additionally, effective clinical approaches should be adopted to support efforts in reducing alcohol intake, she emphasized. Learn more about the risk factors and early symptoms of thyroid cancer during Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month.