Recent research from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) revealed that more than 5% of cancer cases are associated with alcohol consumption. Alcohol ranks as the third risk factor for cancer, after obesity and cigarette smoking. Excessive alcohol intake is linked to an increased risk of six types of cancer, including head and neck, esophageal squamous cell, breast, colorectal, liver, and stomach cancers. Limiting or giving up alcohol can lower the risk of alcohol-related cancers by 8% and the risk of all cancers by 4%.

Dr. Rajarshi Sengupta, the lead author of the report, highlighted the impact of alcohol on cancer risk. Dr. Adam Scioli, an addiction psychiatrist, emphasized that alcohol consumption is a modifiable risk factor for cancer. Every year, 75,000 Americans are diagnosed with alcohol-related cancers, underscoring the importance of understanding the risks associated with alcohol. 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. Even low levels of alcohol use can elevate the risk of certain cancers.

While the link between tobacco and cancer is well-known, public awareness of the connection between alcohol and cancer risk is lacking. According to the AACR, 51% of Americans are unaware of this link. Dr. Scioli stressed the need for increased public awareness and encouraged reducing alcohol intake to decrease cancer risk."He mentioned the risks associated with drinking," he stated. To combat this issue, Sengupta suggested the implementation of public awareness campaigns and the inclusion of cancer-related cautionary labels on alcohol products. She also stressed the importance of developing effective clinical approaches to reduce alcohol intake. Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding Risk Factors and Early Signs."