Alcohol-linked cancer deaths double in the U.S. over three decades, finds new study

By Admin

23 May, 2025

In a startling revelation, a new study has found that alcohol-related cancer deaths in the United States have doubled over the last 30 years. The death toll has surged from below 12,000 in 1990 to more than 23,000 in 2021, signaling a growing public health concern, especially among men and individuals aged 55 and older. These findings are slated to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago and are yet to undergo peer review.

Rising Numbers and Disproportionate Impact

According to the study led by Dr. Chinmay Jani, a clinical fellow in haematology and oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, alcohol is not just a recreational substance but also a significant carcinogen. "We already know other risk factors, such as tobacco, for cancer. However, it is very important to know that alcohol is also a risk factor and can be a carcinogen in many different cancers," said Dr. Jani in an interview with ABC News.

The analysis spanned national death rates attributed to alcohol use between 1990 and 2021. The results reveal a substantial gender and age disparity: In 1991, 2.5% of all cancer deaths in men and 1.46% in women were alcohol-related. By 2021, these figures rose to 4.2% for men and 1.85% for women. Over this period, alcohol-related cancer deaths increased by 56% in men and nearly 8% in women.

Age Matters: The Silent Accumulation of Risk

Dr. Jani points out that the effects of alcohol as a carcinogen accumulate over time. “The carcinogenic effect probably isn’t affecting you right away in your younger age, but as you continue to drink as you age, this carcinogen has an accumulative effect on the body,” he explained.

Most of the alcohol-related cancer deaths were observed in individuals aged 55 and older. Particularly alarming is that in this demographic, men experienced a more than 1% annual increase in deaths from alcohol-related cancers between 2007 and 2021.

Seven Cancers Linked to Alcohol

The study focused on seven types of cancers strongly linked to alcohol consumption:

• Breast
  
  

• Liver
  
  

• Colorectal
  
  

• Throat
  
  

• Voice box (larynx)
  
  

• Mouth
  
  

• Esophageal
  
  

While not every case of these cancers is caused by alcohol, the substance has been shown to be a significant contributing factor. In 2021, the deadliest among these were liver, colorectal, and esophageal cancers. For men, liver cancer was the most fatal; for women, it was breast cancer.

The Message Is Clear: No Level of Alcohol is Safe

A critical takeaway from the study is that any amount of alcohol can pose a risk. “It doesn’t necessarily mean that you are drinking every day. Even minimal consumption over time has the potential to harm health,” Dr. Jani emphasized.

Conclusion

This new research underlines the urgent need for increased awareness about the health risks of alcohol, especially as a carcinogen. As public health advocates call for updated guidelines and more widespread education, individuals are urged to evaluate their alcohol consumption and consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.