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Many factors influence a person’s risk for developing cancer. Some factors you can’t control, such as your age and family history. But there are others you can control, like whether or not you smoke tobacco. According to an advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General, fewer than half of people surveyed know that drinking alcohol is one of these modifiable risk factors.
Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., after tobacco use and obesity. Alcohol has been linked to a higher risk of developing at least seven types of cancer, including:
According to the Surgeon General’s advisory, alcohol use contributed to nearly 97,000 cases of cancer in 2019—and about 1 million cases over 10 years. Annually, about 20,000 adults in the U.S. die from alcohol-related cancers.
Research is increasingly clear that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk because of how it damages cells.
How does alcohol increase cancer risk?
Researchers have identified four primary ways that alcohol increases the risk of developing cancer:
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Acetaldehyde: When the body processes alcohol, it becomes this chemical, which can damage DNA and make it more difficult for cells to repair themselves.
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Oxidative stress: Alcohol creates this inflammatory state in which the body makes too many unstable molecules called free radicals, which can damage cells.
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Hormone changes: Drinking alcohol can change the level of several hormones in the body, including estrogen. Higher estrogen levels can raise the risk for breast cancers, especially hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, the most common type.
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Greater absorption: Alcohol can dissolve other carcinogens, like those found in tobacco smoke, and make it easier for your cells to absorb these cancer-causing chemicals. This may help explain why the combination of smoking and drinking is more likely to cause some cancers than either smoking or drinking alone.
Related reading: Gene Therapy Research Springs Optimism for Pancreatic Cancer Care.
How much alcohol is safe to drink?
Researchers have found that the type of alcohol you consume doesn’t change your risk—but the amount you drink can make a difference. The more alcohol a person drinks, especially regularly over time, the higher their risk of developing an alcohol-associated cancer.
For example, studies have shown that the cumulative absolute risk of developing cancer for a woman who drinks less than one drink per week is 16.5%. For a woman who drinks one drink per day, that risk rises to 19%, and for 2 drinks per day it’s 21.8%.
Compared to people who have less than one drink per week, about five more women out of 100 would develop cancer as a result of drinking two or more drinks per day. About three more men out of 100 would develop cancer due to drinking two drinks per day than men who have less than one drink per week.
To lower your risk of developing cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends to not drink alcohol. If you do drink, men should drink no more than two drinks per day and women no more than one. A drink is one standard serving of alcohol, no matter the type: 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.
What are other ways to reduce cancer risk?
These statistics are based on large populations of people, and cancer is unique to each person. Your individual risk is based on a wide variety of factors. Controlling the factors you can is a great way to start lowering your risk.
In addition to moderating your alcohol consumption:
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Quit tobacco use: If you don’t use tobacco, don’t start. If you do, now’s the best time to quit. Talk to your doctor about ways they can support your decision to quit.
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Get regular physical activity: Studies have shown that an inactive lifestyle contributes to higher chances of several cancers, and exercise can help regulate hormones and support the immune system.
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Incorporate healthy nutrition: Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower your risk. Nutrients found in fresh, whole foods can help reduce cell damage and inflammation.
Work with a doctor to get a full picture of your risk. They can recommend resources that can support your efforts to live a healthier lifestyle, including limiting your alcohol intake.
