New research from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine has found that even moderate alcohol consumption can increase the risk of several types of cancer. The study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, reviewed 62 studies involving between 80 and nearly 100 million participants to assess how different levels of alcohol use affect cancer risk among U.S. adults.
The researchers examined not only the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption but also considered comorbid conditions such as obesity and chronic liver disease, which can further elevate cancer risk. They also identified certain social and demographic groups as being more vulnerable to these risks.
According to Lea Sacca, Ph.D., senior author and assistant professor at the Schmidt College of Medicine, “Across 50 studies in our review, higher alcohol consumption consistently raised cancer risk, with risk increasing as intake grows. Factors like type of alcohol, age of first exposure, gender, race, smoking, family history, and genetics all influence risk. Certain groups – older adults, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, and those with comorbidities – are especially vulnerable. Heavy, daily or binge drinking is strongly linked to multiple cancers, highlighting the importance of moderation and following cancer prevention guidelines.”
The review confirmed that both how often people drink and how much they consume play a significant role in their risk for cancers such as breast, colorectal, liver, oral, laryngeal, esophageal and gastric cancers. Alcohol was also shown to worsen outcomes for those already suffering from alcoholic liver disease.
The study found that higher levels of alcohol intake increased cancer risk particularly among African Americans; people with genetic predispositions; and individuals who are obese or have diabetes. Other factors such as race, age, education level and income influenced exposure and vulnerability to these risks. Lower-socioeconomic status groups were disproportionately affected even when their overall consumption was comparable or lower than other groups.
Following American Cancer Society guidelines on alcohol use along with healthy lifestyle choices was associated with reduced cancer incidence and mortality rates.
Lewis S. Nelson, M.D., co-author of the study and dean at the Schmidt College of Medicine stated: “Biologically, alcohol can damage DNA through acetaldehyde, alter hormone levels, trigger oxidative stress, suppress the immune system, and increase carcinogen absorption. These effects are compounded by pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle choices, and genetic predispositions all of which can accelerate cancer development.”
The findings also suggest that the type of alcoholic beverage may influence risk; for example white wine or beer was linked to a higher chance of certain cancers while liquor often was not. Gender differences were observed: frequent drinking increased men’s risks while episodic heavy drinking posed greater danger for women. Smoking further amplified these risks though its effects varied depending on sex and drinking patterns.
Additional factors affecting cancer risk included body mass index (BMI), physical activity level (with low activity raising risks), infections like hepatitis B/C virus or HPV/HIV/H.pylori bacteria (which infects stomach lining), poor diet habits hormone use specific hair/eye color UV exposure family history among others.
Maria Carmenza Mejia M.D., co-author from FAU’s Schmidt College said: “Our findings underscore that alcohol-related cancer risk is not driven by alcohol alone but by a complex interplay of biological behavioral social factors Recognizing how these forces intersect – shaping exposure vulnerability long-term health outcomes – is essential for building a more accurate understanding of cancer risk This broader perspective reminds us that effective prevention goes beyond reducing alcohol consumption it requires addressing environments habits underlying health conditions that magnify its impact.”
Other contributors to this research include FAU medical students Isabella Abraham Gabriella Dasilva Kayla Ernst Alexandra Campson Alana Starr Christine Kamm Morgan Decker Sahar Kaleem Nada Eldawy Paige Brinzo Tiffany Follin (medical liaison/outreach librarian) George Kosseifi (Case Western Reserve University) Christine Ramdin Ph.D (Rutgers New Jersey Medical School).
