Overview

• ASCO2025 research finds that U.S. alcohol-linked cancer deaths swelled from about 12,000 in 1990 to more than 23,000 by 2021.
• Alcohol is identified as a carcinogen associated with at least seven cancer types, including breast, colorectal, liver, mouth, throat, voice box and esophageal cancers.
• A JAMA Oncology survey shows just 40% of American adults acknowledge alcohol as a cancer risk, with awareness lowest among Black respondents, lower-education groups and those doubting cancer prevention.
• Men aged over 55 experience a 1% annual increase in alcohol-attributable cancer mortality since 2007, highlighting a disproportionate impact on older males.
• Following a U.S. Surgeon General advisory, experts are urging mandatory warning labels on alcoholic beverages and targeted public health campaigns to boost awareness and prevention.