Drinking alcohol can seem like a harmless way to relax at the end of a long day or loosen up when out with friends. But studies have demonstrated a concerning connection between drinking and an increased risk of cancer.

Cancer Risk and Alcohol

Alcohol may increase cancer risk by disrupting cell cycles, increasing chronic inflammation and damaging your DNA, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Damaged DNA can cause a cell to grow out of control and become cancer.

Alcohol also may play a role in heightening breast cancer risk because it increases levels of certain hormones, particularly estrogen.

And studies have shown that alcohol makes it easier for cells in the mouth to absorb chemicals that cause cancer. If you smoke and drink, you’re at greater risk for cancers in the mouth and throat than if you had just one of those habits, according to the American Cancer Society.

CDC data shows that more than 522,000 alcohol-associated cancers occurred in the United States in 2021. Alcohol use has been linked with cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, colon and rectum, liver and breast.

Breast cancer is the most common alcohol-associated cancer among women, according to the CDC. Colorectal cancer is the most common alcohol-associated cancer among men.

Alcohol may also increase prostate cancer risk. And consuming three or more drinks that contain alcohol per day may increase the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancer.

Cutting Back on Alcohol

To reduce your risk for cancer, the American Cancer Society says that it’s best not to drink alcohol at all. If you do choose to drink alcohol, limit your intake to no more than two drinks per day if you are a man and one drink per day if you are a woman.

Here are a few suggestions for stopping or cutting back on alcohol use and reducing your cancer risk:

• Set goals for decreasing your alcohol use. For example, start by scheduling a few alcohol-free days each week. Write your goals down and stick to them. As you achieve each goal, set a new one.

• Enlist help. Whether it’s friends, family, a healthcare provider or a formal support group, surround yourself with people who will support your efforts to stop drinking.

• Stay away from temptation. Find routes that don’t take you past a favorite bar or restaurant where you like to drink. Don’t hang out with people who encourage you to drink.

• Find a distraction when you feel the urge to drink. Get busy on a task or try a substitute like gum or mints. Go for a walk to take your mind off your craving. Call a supportive friend.

• Start a new hobby. When you are absorbed in meaningful activities that you enjoy, you’ll be less tempted to drink.

For more details on alcohol’s association with increased risk for certain cancers, visit the American Cancer Society’s Alcohol Use and Cancer page.

Sources:
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention