Most people know that smoking can cause cancer, but did you know that drinking alcohol can also increase your cancer risk?
Many people don’t realize the link, even though studies have shown it for years.
In fact, a recent U.S. Surgeon General report found that alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., after tobacco use and obesity.
Despite this, a 2024 survey by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) found that only half of Americans knew that alcohol raises cancer risk.
Alcohol and cancer: the connection
“There used to be a saying that ‘a glass of wine a day is good for your health,’ but research is showing otherwise,” says Ashley Hendershot, a cancer expert at Wilmot Cancer Institute.
She helps patients at high risk of cancer understand how lifestyle choices, including alcohol consumption, can affect their health.
Drinking alcohol is linked to six types of cancer:
- Colorectal cancer
- Female breast cancer
- Head and neck cancers
- Liver cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Stomach cancer
The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk.
How much alcohol is safe?
Alcohol is a known carcinogen, meaning even small amounts can increase cancer risk. If you don’t drink, it’s best not to start. If you do, limiting your intake is key. The AACR recommends drinking as little as possible. Moderation is defined as:
- Women: Up to 1 drink per day
- Men: Up to 2 drinks per day
A standard drink includes:
- 12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol)
- 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol)
- 1.5 ounces of spirits (40% alcohol)
How alcohol raises cancer risk
When alcohol breaks down in your body, it produces a chemical called acetaldehyde, which damages DNA. If your body cannot repair the damage, it may lead to cancer.
Alcohol also:
- Lowers folic acid levels, which your body needs to repair DNA.
- Increases estrogen levels, raising the risk of hormone-related breast cancers.
- Adds “empty calories,” which can lead to weight gain—another cancer risk factor.
Can reducing alcohol help?
Yes! Cutting back or quitting alcohol can lower your risk. The AACR report found that reducing alcohol intake can decrease all cancer risks by 4% and alcohol-related cancers by 8%.
Hendershot and her team help patients with a personal or family history of cancer understand their risks and make informed lifestyle choices. “Our goal is to prevent as many cancers as possible,” she says.
Other ways to lower cancer risk
The AACR also recommends these steps:
- Quit smoking.
- Maintain a healthy weight, eat well, and stay active.
- Protect your skin from UV exposure.
- Get vaccinated and protect against cancer-causing infections.
- Limit exposure to environmental toxins.
- Be aware of hormonal factors.
Making small changes can make a big difference in your health!
