Alcohol and Cancer Risk

  • Home
  • Alcohol and Cancer Risk

Alcohol and Cancer Risk

This Advisory describes the scientific evidence for the causal link between alcohol consumption and increased risk for at least seven different types of cancer, including breast (in women), colorectum, esophagus, voice box, liver, mouth, and throat. The Advisory also helps to better inform the public of this relationship and offers key recommendations to reduce alcohol-related cancers.

Alcohol Consumption and Cancer Risk: Key Data

Spread the word with these shareable resources

Cancer cases worldwide attributable to alcohol consumption in 2020 graphic
Less than half of Americans are aware that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk graphic
Consuming alcohol increases the risk of developing at least 7 types of cancer graphic
Four ways alcohol can cause cancer graphic
Higher alcohol consumption increases alcohol-related cancer risk in women and men graphic
Higher alcohol consumption increases breast cancer risk in women graphic

Additional Resources

Lifeline Resources

SAMHSA: National Helpline

  • Call at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • Text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U)
  • More information on SAMHSA’s National Helpline (in English and Spanish)

Rethinking Drinking and Check Your Drinking

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s Rethinking Drinking initiative offers ways to evaluate your drinking and decide whether and how to make a change. In addition, CDC offers a free, interactive tool for you to check your drinking and get personalized feedback (in English and Spanish). Additionally, there are some individuals – PDF who should not drink at all.

“Talk. They Hear You.”

SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign offers tips on how to talk to children and youth about alcohol.

Alcohol Health Effects and Proven Prevention Strategies

Addressing the broader population health impacts of alcohol consumption is beyond the scope of this Advisory. For more information on alcohol consumption and public health interventions, policies and solutions, please see information from CDC and WHO – PDF .