Alcohol-Linked Cancer Deaths in the U.S. More Than Doubled Since 1990, Study Finds

A study released on September 2 in Lancet Regional Health—Americas revealed that the number of cancer fatalities in the U.S. attributed to alcohol increased from 11,361 in 1990 to an estimated 23,126 in 2023, even as overall cancer death rates decreased. Researchers examined Global Burden of Disease data from 204 nations. The primary cancers identified were colorectal, esophageal, liver, and breast cancers. The demographic most impacted was men aged 55 and older, with liver cancer being the most lethal. Co-author Chinmay Jani pointed out that alcohol represents a preventable risk factor for cancer. A related commentary highlighted society's acceptance of a known carcinogen while prioritizing treatment. The study indicated there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. In February, the WHO noted that nearly 40% of global cancer cases in 2022 were due to preventable factors, including alcohol.