Risk of Cancer From Alcohol Higher for Those With Certain Comorbidities: Study

Researchers report a rise in cancer diagnoses for individuals who consume any amount of alcohol, with certain health conditions carrying even greater risks.

A new study warns that drinking alcohol can increase a person’s risk of breast, liver and gastric cancers, especially if they already suffer from obesity, diabetes or alcoholic liver disease.

Research published in the December 2025 issue of Cancer Epidemiology indicates that certain people who drink alcohol, even at moderate levels, have a higher risk of being diagnosed with several different forms of cancer.

While cancer deaths have dropped over the past 25 years, the number of deaths linked to alcohol-related cancers have doubled over the same time period, previous research indicates. That increase in cancer deaths has largely occurred among men over the age of 55.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Surgeon General called for stricter warning labels on alcohol, alerting consumers about the risk of developing multiple types of cancer, including breast, liver and throat cancer. Alcohol is considered the leading cause of preventable cancer in the U.S.

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine conducted a comprehensive review of 62 studies. Led by Dr. Isabella Abraham, the team used sample sizes from 80 to 100 million participants to analyze how different levels of alcohol consumption affect cancer risk.

According to the findings, alcohol was consistently linked as a risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, oral, laryngeal, esophageal, gastric and liver cancer. The data showed the risk increased for many types of cancer even at moderate drinking levels. This was the case across different groups and varied depending on quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption.

People who were obese, who had diabetes or alcoholic liver disease faced a higher risk of suffering more advanced types of cancer and had a lower likelihood of survival, the data indicates. Researchers said other factors that increased a person’s risk of developing cancer if they drank alcohol included being a smoker, ultraviolet exposure and family history.

The body breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde, which not only causes a hangover, but is also toxic to the body. This is one of the same chemicals found in cigarettes. Acetaldehyde can damage the body’s DNA, disrupt hormone levels, trigger oxidative stress to the DNA, suppress the immune system and increase the absorption of carcinogens.

This process is not only linked to an increased risk of cancer, but among people with preexisting health conditions or genetic predisposition, it can accelerate cancer development.

“Alcohol intake, particularly at higher frequency or greater quantity, was consistently associated with elevated risk for multiple cancers, most notably colorectal, breast, and liver.”

— Dr. Isabella Abraham, A systematic review on the risk of developing cancer and frequency of alcohol consumption behaviors in US adults

Researchers noted that following the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for alcohol and healthy lifestyle choices can help lower the risk of cancer and death for people. They also recommend strengthening health messaging and alcohol policies and offering targeted interventions for high-risk groups.

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