Before You Toast: How Alcohol Impacts Cancer Risk

The holiday season often brings celebrations filled with food, friends and a few festive drinks. But amid the cheer, it’s important to remember that alcohol — even in small amounts — can increase the risk of several types of cancer. 

In 1988, alcohol was classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). According to IARC, alcohol consumption was linked to 741,000 new cases of cancer worldwide in 2020. The U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) also lists alcoholic beverages as a "known human carcinogen". And yet, many people are unaware of just how serious the connection is.

In January 2025, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy took the warning one step further and called for updating the existing surgeon general’s health warning label on alcohol-containing beverages to include the risk of cancer. His proposal would require approval from Congress.

It is important to note that it has been nearly four decades since Congress approved the first government warning label on alcohol, the one that says pregnant women shouldn’t drink and warns about the dangers of driving while drinking. No updates have been made since then.

How Alcohol Increases Cancer Risk

When you drink alcohol, your body breaks it down into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can damage DNA and prevent your body from repairing that damage. Over time, this increases the risk of cells growing out of control, which can lead to cancer.

Alcohol can also:

• Increase levels of estrogen, a hormone linked to breast cancer.
• Irritate the lining of the mouth, throat and stomach.
• Reduce the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients like folate, which helps protect against cancer.

Types of Cancer Linked to Alcohol

Research shows that alcohol increases the risk of several types of cancer, including:

• Breast cancer
  
  • Even one drink a day can raise a woman’s risk. The more you drink, the higher the risk.
• Liver cancer
  
  • Heavy, long-term drinking is a major risk factor for liver cancer.
• Colorectal cancer
  
  • Alcohol has been linked to both colon and rectal cancer, especially in men.
• Mouth, throat and esophageal cancer
  
  • Drinking—especially when combined with smoking—increases the risk.
• Stomach and pancreatic cancer
  • Though less common, links have also been found here, particularly with heavy alcohol use.

How Much Is Too Much?

There’s no completely “safe” level of alcohol when it comes to cancer risk. However, the less you drink, the lower your risk. The American Cancer Society recommends that if you do drink, you limit it to:

• No more than 1 drink per day for women
• No more than 2 drinks per day for men

But remember: even low levels of drinking have been shown to increase the risk for some cancers, like breast cancer.

What About Red Wine?

You may have heard that red wine has heart-healthy antioxidants, like resveratrol. While this may be true in some contexts, the cancer risks of alcohol outweigh any potential benefits when it comes to cancer prevention. The safest choice is to limit or avoid alcohol altogether.

Taking Control of Your Risk

The good news? Cutting back on alcohol is one way you can take control of your health. If quitting altogether feels overwhelming, try reducing how often or how much you drink. Small changes can make a big difference over time.

If you're concerned about your alcohol use or your cancer risk, talk to your primary care provider. They can help you understand your personal risk factors and support you in making healthy choices.

The connection between alcohol and cancer is real. But so is your power to make informed decisions — and protect your health, one choice at a time. 

This holiday season, consider raising a glass to your health — with sparkling water, cider or another alcohol-free option. Every mindful choice adds up. By balancing celebration with care, you can enjoy the holidays today while investing in your health for years to come.