July 10, 2025
Alcohol is a common part of social life for many Americans, but few realize its connection to cancer. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, alcohol consumption is causally linked to at least 7 types of cancer: breast, colorectal, esophageal, laryngeal, liver, oral and throat cancers. Despite this, awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk remains low.
This article explores how alcohol increases cancer risk, how much is considered too much and what steps you can take to reduce your risk.
How Alcohol Causes Cancer
When you drink alcohol, your body breaks it down into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can damage DNA and prevent cells from repairing themselves. This DNA damage is a key step in the development of cancer.
Alcohol also contributes to cancer in other ways:
- Increases inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage healthy cells.
- Raises estrogen levels, which can fuel hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer.
- Impairs liver function, affecting how the body processes hormones and toxins.
At The University of Kansas Cancer Center, researchers are actively studying these mechanisms. For example, Wen-Xing Ding, PhD, professor of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics and member of the cancer center’s Cancer Biology research program, investigates how alcohol-induced liver injury occurs at the cellular level. His lab focuses on autophagy, the body’s process for clearing damaged organelles, which plays a key role in how liver cells respond to alcohol-related stress and damage. This research helps deepen our understanding of how chronic alcohol use can lead to liver disease and potentially liver cancer.
How Much Alcohol Is Safe?
There is no completely safe level of alcohol when it comes to cancer risk. However, experts recommend limiting alcohol to no more than three drinks per week. Drinking more than seven drinks per week significantly increases your risk of developing cancer.
Roughly 58% of U.S. adults report drinking alcohol at least occasionally. Yet, many are unaware of the health risks. Encouragingly, nearly half of Americans say they plan to reduce their alcohol intake in 2025, reflecting a growing awareness of alcohol’s impact on health.
Tips to Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Cutting back on alcohol is a personal decision, but it can be a powerful step toward cancer prevention. Here are some suggestions to reduce alcohol consumption:
- Track your intake to stay mindful of your habits.
- Swap alcoholic drinks for sparkling water, mocktails or soda with lime.
- Set realistic goals - start small and build sustainable habits.
- Talk to your doctor if you need support or guidance.
Changing the Conversation Around Alcohol and Health
As more research highlights the link between alcohol and cancer, healthcare providers are encouraging open conversations about alcohol use. People who reduce or eliminate alcohol often report feeling better overall, sleeping more soundly, experiencing fewer hot flashes and having more energy. By understanding how alcohol affects your body, and taking steps to reduce your intake, you can make a meaningful difference in your long-term health.