Limiting alcohol use can reduce cancer deaths in the U.S.

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March 19, 2024

New CDC study suggests that limiting alcohol use can reduce cancer deaths in the U.S.

A new CDC study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, shows the estimated effects of adults drinking less alcohol on U.S. cancer deaths.

	The study found that more than 20,000 alcohol-related cancer deaths occurred each year during 2020-2021. About 80% of these cancer deaths could have been prevented if all adults who drank at levels above the Dietary Guidelines for Americans had instead consumed alcohol within the recommended daily limits of two drinks or less for men or one drink or less for women.

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).

Social media resources

General Public

DYK drinking alcohol is a leading cause of cancer that can be avoided? Each year 20,000 people die in the U.S. from alcohol-related cancer. Find out how drinking alcohol can raise your risk of cancer: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/alcohol/index.htm #CancerAwareness #AlcoholAwareness

20,000 people die in the U.S. each year from alcohol-related cancers. Want to check your alcohol use and get personalized tips for drinking less to improve your health? https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/checkyourdrinking/index.html #CancerAwareness #AlcoholAwareness

Drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the liver, breast (in women), colon, throat and more. The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk for these cancers. Find out how drinking can impact your cancer risk: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/alcohol/index.htm  #AlcoholAwareness #CancerAwareness #DrinkLess

New CDC research suggests that far fewer people would die from alcohol-related cancers if all adults followed U.S. dietary recommendations on alcohol use. With collective support for comprehensive strategies proven to reduce alcohol-related harm, we can save lives. https://bit.ly/3ULS5t2 #AlcoholAwareness #CancerAwareness

New CDC research shows the toll that drinking alcohol can take on U.S. adults. Limiting your alcohol use can lower your risk of cancer. Check your drinking and get tips for drinking less to improve your well-being: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/CheckYourDrinking/index.html

Health Care Practitioners

Alcohol use is one of the leading modifiable behaviors affecting risk of cancer. Have you talked to your patients about their drinking? Tell your patients today about CDC’s free website to check their alcohol use and build a personalized plan for drinking less. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/CheckYourDrinking/index.html #AlcoholAwareness #CancerAwareness

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