Even Small Amounts of Alcohol Linked to Increased Cancer Risk, New report Finds
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Even modest alcohol consumption may significantly elevate the risk of cancer and premature death, according to a thorough draft report analyzed by cancer specialists. The findings reinforce a growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating that no level of alcohol intake is entirely safe.
The report, currently undergoing preparation for peer review, details the established link between alcohol and increased cancer risk. “Even light drinking is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer,” explains Priscilla Martinez, PhD, a study coauthor and deputy scientific director of the Alcohol Research Group.
Cancer specialists corroborate the reportS credibility.”It has been known for decades that even low levels of alcohol can increase risk above no intake at all,” says kathleen Egan, ScD, a cancer epidemiologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. “The more alcohol you drink, the greater the excess risk.”
Nilesh Vora, MD, oncologist and medical director of the MemorialCare Todd cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in California, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’ve always known that alcohol has been a risk factor for cancer. What’s captivating about this study is that it’s 81 pages long. It goes into a much deeper level of establishing a link between the development of cancer and alcohol intake.”
The findings align with data from the World Health Organization (WHO). A 2021 WHO study estimated that nearly 750,000 cancer cases diagnosed worldwide in 2020 – approximately 4 percent – were attributable to alcohol. Crucially,over 100,000 of those cases were linked to light and moderate drinking.
Public health officials have taken note. In January 2025, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, issued an advisory calling for updated warnings on alcoholic beverages, specifically highlighting the increased cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption.
Despite growing awareness among health professionals, a 2023 National Cancer Institute survey revealed that most Americans remain unaware of the connection between alcohol and cancer.The survey also found a common misconception that wine is somehow exempt from this risk.
Though,trends suggest a potential shift in drinking habits.Recent data indicates Americans are drinking less overall. A gallup poll released in August 2025 showed that 54 percent of american adults consume alcohol – a historic low, down from 67 percent in 2022.
Ultimately, experts emphasize the importance of informed decision-making. “It’s really vital that people are advocates for their own health and get good scientific information,” says Naimi. Individuals should weigh the risks and benefits and make choices aligned with their personal health goals.
Sources:
[3] World Health Organization study on alcohol and cancer (2021)
[4] U.S.Surgeon General advisory on alcohol warnings (January 2025)
[5] National Cancer Institute survey on public awareness of alcohol and cancer (2023)
[6] Gallup poll on American drinking habits (August 2025)
