HQ Team
September 26, 2024: A recent report from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) reveals that though cancer-related fatalities have decreased in the last decade, bad lifestyle choices, including increasing alcohol consumption have raised cancer risk. It predicts over 2 million new cancer cases in the United States for 2024.
The report emphasizes that 5.4% of all cancer cases are attributable to alcohol use, linking excessive drinking to six specific types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, and liver cancers.
Key findings from the AACR cancer report
The AACR’s 2024 Cancer Progress Report highlights concerning trends, especially among younger adults under 50, where rates of colorectal and breast cancers are increasing.
Approximately 40% of all cancer cases in the U.S. are associated with modifiable risk factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and poor diet. This statistic underscores the potential for prevention through lifestyle changes.
Despite these findings, a significant portion of the population remains unaware of the cancer risks linked to alcohol. A study indicated that over 50% of Americans do not associate alcohol consumption with an increased risk of cancer. Some 5.4 percent of cancers in the United States — just over one in 20 cancer diagnoses — were attributed to alcohol consumption in 2019, the most recent year for which data is available.
Alcohol is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a human carcinogen that damages DNA cell structure. And the World Health Organization maintains that “when it comes to alcohol consumption, there is no safe amount that does not affect health.”
Alcohol and increased cancer risk
Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including:
- Breast cancer: Alcohol can increase estrogen levels, potentially leading to higher breast cancer risk.
- Liver cancer: Chronic alcohol use can cause cirrhosis, a major risk factor for liver cancer.
- Colorectal cancer: Alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of colon and rectal cancers.
- Esophageal cancer: The risk is particularly high when alcohol is combined with smoking.
- Head and neck cancers: Alcohol and smoking together significantly increase the risk of oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers.
Alcohol can contribute to cancer development through several mechanisms, such as producing acetaldehyde (a carcinogen), generating free radicals, impairing nutrient absorption, and enhancing the effects of other harmful chemicals.
Genetics also play a significant role in determining an individual’s cancer risk. Certain genetic variants can influence the metabolism of alcohol and acetaldehyde, affecting cancer susceptibility. For example, variations in genes related to estrogen metabolism and response can modify breast cancer risk in females who consume alcohol.
Public health initiatives for cancer awareness
The AACR report advocates for public health initiatives aimed at increasing awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. Recommendations include:
Public messaging campaigns: Similar to successful anti-tobacco campaigns, there is a call for targeted awareness efforts regarding alcohol and its cancer risks.
Labeling alcohol products: Implementing cancer-specific warning labels on alcoholic beverages could help inform consumers about the associated risks.
Dietary guidelines recommend limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
