Recent findings show that drinking alcohol is associated with over 5% of cancer cases, as indicated in 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. The report, led by Rajarshi Sengupta, PhD, highlights that excessive alcohol consumption raises the risk for six types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and breast, colorectal, liver, and stomach cancers. Dr. Adam Scioli of Caron Treatment Centers explains that while alcohol was once thought to have health benefits, it is now recognized as a modifiable cancer risk factor. The AACR data reveals that 75,000 Americans are diagnosed with alcohol-related cancers annually, with the risk increasing with the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed. Dr. Scioli stresses that alcohol is a toxin with adverse effects on the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate alcohol intake as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks for men, cautioning that even low levels of alcohol use can elevate cancer risks. Despite public awareness of the link between smoking and cancer, many Americans are unaware of alcohol's role in cancer risk, with 51% unaware of this connection, according to the AACR. Dr. Scioli underscores the importance of raising awareness and reducing alcohol consumption to lower cancer risk."Inherent risks associated with alcohol consumption," he noted. Sengupta emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns and cancer-related labels on alcoholic products. She also stressed the importance of implementing effective clinical approaches to support decreased alcohol intake. September marks Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding risk factors and recognizing early symptoms.