Alcohol-related cancer deaths in US more than double in 30 years, study finds

Alcohol-linked cancer deaths from several types of cancers in the U.S. may have a greater impact than previously understood, a new study found.

The rise in alcohol consumption is not only impacting liver cancer but also contributing to the rising colon and breast cancers.

The latest findings appeared in the journal The Lancet Regional Health—Americas on August 2, 2026.

The mortality rate associated with alcohol consumption in the U.S. has seen an upward trend as the figures have more than doubled since 1990, which stands at 23,100 as of 2023.

In 1990, the total deaths linked to alcohol consumption were recorded at 11,361.

Even just a single drink a day may put at risk of cancer.

The higher risk has been associated with intake levels of just 5 to 15 grams a day.

Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Centre, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, studied more than three decades of Global Burden of Disease data.

“While it’s true that overall cancer mortality has declined, we found the percentage of cancer deaths proportionally attributable to alcohol rose over 58% in people 20 and older over the last 33 years," said the study lead author, Dr Chinmay Jani.

Alcohol has traditionally been categorised as a Group 1 Carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, classifying it with tobacco smoke and asbestos.