As the government pushes for more health warnings on alcohol, a new study revealed that cancer deaths tied to drinking have doubled in the past three decades.
See the tweet below.
The unpublished research, set to be presented at a major cancer conference, shows alcohol-related cancer deaths in America have surged from 11,896 to 23,207 between 1990 and 2021, with men and older Americans bearing the brunt.
The alarming study found that while all Americans face increased risk, men have experienced a staggering 70.2% increase in alcohol-related cancer deaths compared to just 15.2% in women.
This gender disparity has researchers puzzled, especially as Washington D.C. topped the list for highest alcohol-related mortality while Utah, with its large Mormon population that abstains from alcohol, had the lowest rate.
Despite growing evidence of alcohol’s dangers, most Americans remain unaware of the connection between their favorite beverages and deadly diseases.
The U.S. Surgeon General now recommends cancer risk warning labels on alcoholic beverages, similar to those on cigarettes.
Moreover, liver, colorectal, and esophageal cancers were identified as the deadliest alcohol-related cancers in 2021.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same category as tobacco.
Yet, unlike the widespread awareness of smoking’s dangers, many Americans do not realize their weekend drinks could increase cancer risk.
“We already know other risk factors, such as tobacco, for cancer. However, it is very important to know that alcohol is also a risk factor and can be a carcinogen in many different cancers,” Dr. Chinmay Jani, one of the study’s authors, stated.
The study examined data from the Global Burden of Disease database, analyzing six types of cancer with established alcohol connections: breast, colorectal, liver, stomach, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and certain head and neck cancers.
Researchers found alcohol-related cancer deaths increased in 47 states for men but only 16 states for women, with New Mexico seeing the highest rise.
The timing of this study coincides with growing government efforts to regulate alcohol consumption.
New study highlights the growing toll of alcohol-attributable cancers: global deaths rose 51% since 2000, hitting hardest in low-to-middle income regions. Liver, oesophageal, and colorectal cancers lead the deadly impact. Urgent global action required. https://t.co/30k7hSWEHn
— AlcoholAndCancer (@AlcoholCancerEU) May 7, 2025
The current administration’s surgeon general has linked alcohol to seven types of cancer and called for warning labels, despite the alcohol industry’s long-standing resistance to such measures that could hurt their business.
In addition, experts explained that alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde in the body, which damages DNA and allows other carcinogens to be more easily absorbed.
This process occurs regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage consumed, whether beer, wine, or spirits.
The risk increases with consumption, and those over 55 face the highest mortality rates, even with moderate drinking.
While the study provides important health information, it raises questions about personal freedom and responsibility. Americans have long made their own choices about alcohol consumption.
Still, increasing government warnings and potential regulations signal a possible shift toward more control over individual habits, similar to what happened with tobacco products decades ago.
The study will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting but has not yet undergone peer review.
As health officials debate policy responses, Americans may soon face new warning labels and public health campaigns targeting a substance that has been a legal part of American culture since the nation’s founding.
