Rising Alcohol-Related Cancer Deaths in the United States

A recent study led by researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, reveals a significant increase in cancer deaths linked to alcohol consumption across the United States. This pioneering research, titled "Escalating Impact of Alcohol-Related Cancer Mortality in the U.S.: A call for action," was presented at ASCO 2025 and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

The study examined trends from 1990 to 2021 using data from the Global Burden of Disease database, which provides detailed information on disease incidence and risk factors worldwide. The findings show that alcohol-related cancer fatalities nearly doubled over this period, rising from just under 12,000 deaths annually to over 23,000. Men over 55 are particularly affected, with their alcohol-associated cancer mortality increasing by just over 1% each year between 2007 and 2021.

Despite the known risk factors, public awareness about the link between alcohol and cancer remains low. According to a 2019 survey by the American Institute for Cancer Research, while 89% of American adults recognize tobacco as a cancer risk, only 45% are aware that alcohol poses a similar danger. About 100,000 new cancer cases annually in the U.S. are linked to alcohol consumption, accounting for approximately 5% of all cases, with roughly 20,000 deaths.

The research highlights that alcohol significantly contributes to specific cancers such as breast, liver, colorectal, throat, voice box, mouth, and esophageal cancers. Notably, liver, colorectal, and esophageal cancers have seen the largest increases in alcohol-attributable mortality. Interestingly, state-level analysis shows that regions like Washington D.C. and Texas have higher rates, whereas Utah's rates are comparatively lower, possibly reflecting regional drinking cultures or disparities in socioeconomic and healthcare access.

The mechanism behind alcohol’s impact on cancer risk includes DNA damage and hormonal alterations, but individual biological differences may influence susceptibility. Further investigation into these biological factors could help tailor screening and preventative strategies.

Health experts emphasize the need for increased public awareness and education about the modifiable risk factors associated with alcohol consumption. Advocates also stress the importance of further research to understand the underlying biological processes and to develop personalized prevention approaches.

Overall, while advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment have reduced mortality rates, alcohol consumption remains a significant, yet often overlooked, contributor to cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Addressing this modifiable risk could be pivotal in future cancer prevention efforts.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-alcohol-fueled-cancer-deaths.html