Alcohol-related cancer deaths in the US more than doubled over three decades, study finds

The short version

• Annual US cancer deaths linked to alcohol consumption increased from 11,361 in 1990 to 23,126 in 2023, according to a study published in The Lancet Regional Health.
• The research found that consuming as little as 5 to 15 grams of alcohol per day—less than or equal to a standard 14-gram US drink—is associated with elevated cancer risk across multiple organs.
• Older men experienced the largest impact, with their alcohol-related cancer mortality rate rising by roughly 24% over the 33-year period analyzed.

Key facts

• A study by researchers at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found annual US alcohol-related cancer deaths rose from 11,361 in 1990 to 23,126 in 2023.[The Guardian]
• The study linked alcohol consumption to increased mortality risks from several cancers, including breast, prostate, liver, stomach, pancreatic, colorectal, and head and neck cancers.[The Guardian]
• Elevated cancer risks were identified at intake levels between 5 and 15 grams of alcohol per day, which falls within the range of a standard US drink containing 14 grams of pure alcohol.[The Guardian]
• The alcohol-related cancer mortality rate among men aged 55 and older grew by approximately 24% over the 33-year timeframe.[The Guardian]
• According to the National Cancer Institute, alcohol was responsible for roughly 5% of US cancer diagnoses and about 4% of cancer deaths in 2019.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Alcohol-related cancer deaths in US have more than doubled over three decadesThe Guardian - Science