Oct. 20, 2023&mdash;The link between alcohol and cancer risk has been known for some time. But, according to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=aicr">American Institute for Cancer Research</a> (AICR), more than half of Americans don't know that alcohol use can increase their risk for cancer.
According to the AICR, the most common cancers linked to alcohol consumption are: 
<ul>
 <li>Breast cancer.</li>
 <li>Colon and rectal cancer. </li>
 <li>Oral cancers, including mouth cancer, esophageal cancer and throat cancer. </li>
 <li>Liver cancer. </li>
 <li>Stomach cancer. </li>
</ul>
Any level of alcohol use increases the risk for these kinds of cancer. However, heavier drinkers seem to experience a greater increase in cancer risk, according to recent research. 
How does alcohol increase the risk of cancer?
We don't know all the reasons for the link between alcohol use and cancer. But scientists do understand some of the major ways it increases cancer risk. According to the AICR and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=cancersoc">American Cancer Society</a>, alcohol may: 
<ul>
 <li>Act as an irritant. Some of the chemicals in alcohol may damage cells they come into contact with&mdash;such as the tissues in the mouth and throat. That may lead to DNA changes as cells repair themselves. </li>
 <li>Affect the liver. Alcohol can cause inflammation and scarring in the liver. In trying to fix this damage, your body may develop cancerous cells. </li>
 <li>Increase estrogen levels. Drinking can increase how much estrogen your body produces. This may increase breast cancer risk in women. </li>
 <li>Make it harder for the body to process healthy vitamins. Alcohol use may affect how well your body absorbs certain nutrients, including folate. </li>
</ul>
How to reduce your cancer risk
Avoiding alcohol is a great way to help lower your risk for cancer&mdash;as well as many <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/Story.aspx?StoryId=0c34eda2-af37-48be-b53a-fd271c56864f">other health issues</a>. If you are concerned about your alcohol use, talk to your doctor. They can connect you to the help you need to make a change.
Sources
<ul>
 <li>American Cancer Society. "Alcohol Use and Cancer." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/diet-physical-activity/alcohol-use-and-cancer.html">https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/diet-physical-activity/alcohol-use-and-cancer.html</a>. </li>
 <li>American Institute for Cancer Research. "Alcohol Consumption and Cancer Link, Explained." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aicr.org/news/alcohol-consumption-and-cancer-link-explained">https://www.aicr.org/news/alcohol-consumption-and-cancer-link-explained</a>. </li>
 <li>American Institute for Cancer Research. "Most Americans Still Unaware That Alcohol Is a Cause of Cancer." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aicr.org/news/most-americans-still-unaware-that-alcohol-is-a-cause-of-cancer">https://www.aicr.org/news/most-americans-still-unaware-that-alcohol-is-a-cause-of-cancer</a>. </li>
 <li>American Institute for Cancer Research. "New Study Estimates Alcohol a Cause of Nearly 750,000 Cancer Cases in 2020." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aicr.org/news/new-study-estimates-alcohol-a-cause-of-750-000-cancer-cases-in-2020">https://www.aicr.org/news/new-study-estimates-alcohol-a-cause-of-750-000-cancer-cases-in-2020</a>. </li>
 <li>JAMA Open. "Association Between Changes in Alcohol Consumption and Cancer Risk." <a target="_blank" href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2795595">https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2795595</a>. </li>
 <li>Lancet Oncology. "Global Burden of Cancer in 2020 Attributable to Alcohol Consumption: A Population-Based Study." <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1470-2045%2821%2900279-5">https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1470-2045%2821%2900279-5</a>. </li>
</ul>

Alcohol and cancer: What you need to know 

The connection between alcohol and cancer might be stronger than you think. Get the facts to make informed choices.