A recent study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting on May 25, 2025, has revealed a troubling surge in alcohol-related cancer deaths in the United States. From 1990 to 2021, these deaths nearly doubled, rising from approximately 12,000 to over 23,000 per year. The increase has been especially severe among men aged 55 and older, who now account for the largest share of such fatalities.
Disparities in Gender and Age
The study highlights a significant gender disparity in alcohol-related cancer mortality. Deaths among men rose by 56% over the study period, compared to an 8% rise among women. Researchers suggest that men’s earlier and more sustained alcohol use is a major contributing factor. Social and cultural patterns of heavier drinking among men, combined with physiological differences in how men and women metabolize alcohol, may help explain this gap.
Men accounted for about 70% of alcohol-related cancer deaths in 2021, with over 16,500 fatalities. The analysis also found geographic differences, with Washington, D.C., having the highest alcohol-related cancer mortality rates, and Utah—where alcohol use is among the lowest in the country—reporting the lowest.
Alcohol as a Carcinogen
Alcohol is recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer in humans. It is directly linked to at least seven types of cancer: those affecting the mouth, throat, liver, breast, esophagus, larynx, and colorectum. These links are supported by decades of epidemiological and biomedical research.
The mechanisms by which alcohol leads to cancer include direct damage to DNA, oxidative stress, and disruptions to hormone levels. Even moderate drinking has been shown to increase cancer risk. Medical experts emphasize that there is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cancer.
Public Awareness and Policy Response
Despite the mounting evidence, public understanding of the cancer risks associated with alcohol remains limited. A 2024 national survey found that more than half of American adults are unaware that alcohol can cause cancer. This knowledge gap has led to renewed calls from public health officials for stronger labeling and educational campaigns.
In response, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory recommending that all alcoholic beverages carry cancer warning labels. The advisory also called for a reevaluation of current drinking guidelines and for more robust efforts to inform both consumers and healthcare providers about the risks.
Health experts stress that policy interventions—such as clear labeling, school and community education programs, and physician training—could significantly reduce alcohol-related cancer deaths in the coming years. However, such changes will require coordination across federal, state, and local health agencies.
Looking Ahead
The near doubling of alcohol-related cancer deaths over three decades serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. As the nation grapples with rising cancer rates and substance use issues, understanding and addressing the role of alcohol is a public health imperative.
Experts emphasize that prevention through awareness, education, and policy change will be critical in curbing these preventable deaths. The findings from the ASCO meeting serve not just as a statistical alert, but as a call to reexamine the place of alcohol in American life—and to confront its health consequences with greater urgency.