Alcohol-Related Cancer Mortality in the US Nearly Doubles Over Three Decades

Over the past thirty years, the United States has witnessed a significant increase in deaths from cancers linked to alcohol consumption, with the number nearly doubling. A recent study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago highlights that between 1990 and 2021, alcohol-related cancer deaths rose from just under 12,000 annually to over 23,000. Notably, men accounted for approximately 70% of these fatalities in 2021, with more than 16,500 deaths. Dr. Chinmay Jani of the University of Miami emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the connection between alcohol intake and cancer risk, as public knowledge remains limited. While the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified alcohol as a carcinogen since 1987, many people underestimate its dangers. A 2019 survey revealed that only 45% of Americans recognize alcohol as a cancer risk factor, compared to 89% who know about tobacco. The research utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease database, focusing on cancers influenced by alcohol, such as liver, colon, and esophageal cancers. In 2021, liver cancer was the leading cause of alcohol-related cancer deaths, followed by colon and esophageal cancers. Interestingly, while overall cancer death rates have declined due to improved detection and treatments, alcohol-related deaths have increased, predominantly among men. Alcohol is believed to elevate cancer risk by damaging DNA and disrupting hormone levels. Senior researcher Dr. Gilberto Lopes stresses the importance of public education regarding alcohol as a modifiable factor in cancer prevention. The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and intervention to reduce alcohol-related cancer mortality.