Alcohol use increases the risk of several types of cancer, including cancers of the liver, the breast in women, the colon, the throat and mouth, and other sites in the body. One way alcohol increases the risk of cancer is that our body breaks down alcohol into a chemical called acetaldehyde, which damages our DNA and prevents our body from repairing the damage. Cells can then begin growing out of control and create a cancerous tumor.
Together we can help reduce cancer risks by creating environments where it is easier for people to limit their alcohol use. Like strategies for addressing other cancer risk factors (such as tobacco use), effective alcohol policies, including policies to increase alcohol prices and reduce the number and concentration of places selling alcohol, could decrease alcohol use and thus reduce cancers related to it.
These ways to create environments that support people in their choice to reduce their drinking can work alongside other strategies. Adults can check their alcohol use and make a personalized plan to drink less by using CDC's website. Health care providers can help by talking with patients about their drinking habits and offering advice to drink less to improve health and reduce cancer risk, or by sharing CDC’s tool (available in English or in Spanish).
