Alcohol-related cancer deaths in the United States nearly doubled in three decades, rising from 11,896 in 1990 to 23,207 in 2021. This alarming increase comes from new research led by experts at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The findings were presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]} ### Men and Older Adults Face Highest Risk The study found a particularly sharp rise in alcohol-linked cancer deaths among men. Men accounted for about 70% of these fatalities in 2021.^[1][10] The burden was especially high for men aged 55 and older, who saw their alcohol-related cancer mortality increase by over 1% annually between 2007 and 2021.^[2][5][7][8] In fact, alcohol-related cancer deaths in the 55-plus age group were seven times higher in 2021 compared to 1990.^[10] Dr. Chinmay Jani, a clinical fellow in hematology and oncology who led the study, called the widespread increase "surprising" and "alarming." He noted that this trend is not limited to just liver cancer.^[1] The cumulative effect of alcohol consumption over many years likely contributes to these higher rates in older age groups.^[6] ### How Alcohol Causes Cancer Alcohol is a known cause of at least seven types of cancer. These include cancers of the mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), esophagus, liver, colorectum, and breast in women.^{[11][12][13][2][10][3][4][14][5][6][7][15][16][17][18][19][8][20][21][22][23][24]} Liver, colorectal, and esophageal cancers showed the largest increases in alcohol-related mortality.^[2][7] The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, placing it in the highest risk category alongside substances like tobacco and asbestos.^{[11][3][4][25][20][24]} When the body processes alcohol, it produces a chemical called acetaldehyde. This chemical is a known carcinogen that can damage DNA, the instruction manual for cells.^{[10][4][5][16][26][20]} Alcohol can also increase levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen, which is linked to breast cancer development.^{[12][13][10][16][8][21]} It can also cause chronic inflammation in the body, further increasing cancer risk.^[13][16][8] Even small amounts of alcohol can raise cancer risk. Studies show that consuming even one drink per day can increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast, mouth, and throat cancers.^{[11][12][13][10][6][18][19][22][23][24]} Kathleen Egan, an epidemiologist at Moffitt Cancer Center, explained that "When we drink, our bodies break down alcohol into acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen that can damage DNA."^[4] She added that this damaged DNA can create mutations that lead to cancer.^[4] ### Public Awareness Remains Low Despite clear scientific evidence, many Americans do not know about the strong link between alcohol and cancer. Less than half of adults in the United States are aware that drinking alcohol increases cancer risk.^{[11][2][10][3][7][16][25][18][26][9][21]} A 2019 survey revealed that only 45% of Americans recognized alcohol as a cancer risk factor. In contrast, 89% recognized the risk posed by tobacco.^{[11][2][7][8]} Earlier this year, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory warning Americans about these links. The advisory called for clearer cancer risk warnings on alcoholic beverages, similar to those found on tobacco products.^{[11][2][10][4][5][7][16][17]} This lack of public knowledge is a major concern for health officials. Dr. Jani stressed the need to increase awareness about this connection among the general public and even within the medical field.^[2][8] He pointed out that there is significant awareness about tobacco and cancer, but not for alcohol.^[2] ### Geographic Differences and Prevention The study also highlighted differences in alcohol-linked cancer mortality rates across the country. Washington, D.C., had the highest rates for both men and women, while Utah reported the lowest.^{[1][2][10][3][4][5][6][27]} These variations could reflect different drinking cultures or socioeconomic and health access differences in various regions.^[2] Experts emphasize that all types of alcohol—beer, wine, and spirits—increase cancer risk. The amount of alcohol consumed over time is the most important factor. Red^{[12][13][19][23][24]}ucing alcohol consumption or stopping altogether can lower the risk of developing alcohol-related cancers. The^[16][25][28] American Cancer Society recommends that people who choose to drink limit intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. How^[12]ever, some health organizations, like the World Health Organization, state there is no safe amount of alcohol that does not affect health. Ro^[18][20]ughly 100,000 new cancer diagnoses and about 20,000 cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are related to alcohol consumption. Thi^{[11][13][2][3][5][7][16][25][17]}s number of deaths is higher than those caused by alcohol-associated traffic crashes, which are about 13,500 annually. Th^[11][3][16]is rise in alcohol-related cancer deaths is especially concerning because overall cancer deaths in the U.S. have declined by about 35% over the same period. Thi^[5][26]s stark contrast underscores the growing, yet often unrecognized, impact of alcohol on public health. Increased awareness and targeted prevention efforts are crucial to reverse this alarming trend. --^[3][4][9]-