Over the last 30 years, there has been extensive research about the health effects of drinking alcohol. While long-term alcohol use is often associated with liver problems, many people are surprised to learn it is related to other chronic conditions, such as dementia,pancreatitis, and even several types of cancer.While moderate alcohol use may increase cancer risk, the greatest risk occurs with heavy, long-term use.This article discusses the association between alcohol and liver, breast, oral, throat, laryngeal, and colorectal cancer. It also reviews what constitutes heavy drinking.Alcohol’s Role in Cancer DeathsResearch shows that alcohol use contributes to 4% of cancer deaths worldwide and 3.5% in the United States (US).
Over the last 30 years, there has been extensive research about the health effects of drinking alcohol. While long-term alcohol use is often associated with liver problems, many people are surprised to learn it is related to other chronic conditions, such as dementia,pancreatitis, and even several types of cancer.
While moderate alcohol use may increase cancer risk, the greatest risk occurs with heavy, long-term use.
This article discusses the association between alcohol and liver, breast, oral, throat, laryngeal, and colorectal cancer. It also reviews what constitutes heavy drinking.
Alcohol’s Role in Cancer DeathsResearch shows that alcohol use contributes to 4% of cancer deaths worldwide and 3.5% in the United States (US).
Alcohol’s Role in Cancer Deaths
Research shows that alcohol use contributes to 4% of cancer deaths worldwide and 3.5% in the United States (US).
Liver Cancer
DEPT. OF CLINICAL RADIOLOGY, SALISBURY DISTRICT HOSPITAL / Getty Images
For those with cirrhosis, scar tissue replaces healthy tissue over time. This keeps the liver from properly functioning. Having cirrhosis greatly increases your risk ofdeveloping liver cancer.
Liver Cancer Overview
Breast Cancer
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The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Women who drink moderately or excessively regularly face the most risk.
Definition of Heavy DrinkingThe National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that heavy drinking is defined in the following way:Men: Four drinks a day or more than 14 drinks per weekWomen: Three drinks a day or more than seven drinks per week
Definition of Heavy Drinking
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that heavy drinking is defined in the following way:Men: Four drinks a day or more than 14 drinks per weekWomen: Three drinks a day or more than seven drinks per week
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that heavy drinking is defined in the following way:
Oral CancerHero Images / Getty ImagesOver 75% of people coping with oral cancer are drinkers. In fact, research shows that those who consume alcohol aresix timesmore likely to bediagnosedwithoral cancerthan those who don’t.Additionally, those who drink and smoke are at an even higher risk of developing the disease.Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral Cancer
Over 75% of people coping with oral cancer are drinkers. In fact, research shows that those who consume alcohol aresix timesmore likely to bediagnosedwithoral cancerthan those who don’t.Additionally, those who drink and smoke are at an even higher risk of developing the disease.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Throat CancerJose Luis Pelaez Inc/MNPhotoStudios / Getty ImagesThroat canceris a type of cancer that develops in thepharynxand other structures of the throat. Research tells us that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with throat cancer development, but when combined with tobacco, the risk of developing the disease drastically increases.If you smoke and drink, talk to someone about quitting today.
Throat Cancer
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/MNPhotoStudios / Getty Images
Throat canceris a type of cancer that develops in thepharynxand other structures of the throat. Research tells us that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with throat cancer development, but when combined with tobacco, the risk of developing the disease drastically increases.
If you smoke and drink, talk to someone about quitting today.
Esophageal CancerKATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty ImagesEsophageal cancerdevelops in the esophagus, a long tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. It has been estimated that about 75% of esophageal cancer cases are related to chronic alcohol consumption.The type of esophageal cancer most people who drink excessively develop is usuallysquamouscell carcinomaof the esophagus.This is in contrast toesophageal adenocarcinoma, which often occurs in response to chronic reflux.
Esophageal Cancer
KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
Esophageal cancerdevelops in the esophagus, a long tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. It has been estimated that about 75% of esophageal cancer cases are related to chronic alcohol consumption.
The type of esophageal cancer most people who drink excessively develop is usuallysquamouscell carcinomaof the esophagus.This is in contrast toesophageal adenocarcinoma, which often occurs in response to chronic reflux.
Laryngeal CancerCNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty ImagesLaryngealcanceris a type of throat cancer (see above) that affects the larynx or “voice box”—an organ that plays an important role in breathing and communicating. It contains the vocal cords, which give us the sound needed to speak.While tobacco is the prime risk factor in most cases of laryngeal cancer, alcohol, in conjunction with tobacco use, greatly increases the risk. Studies have shown that alcohol enhances (or increases) tobacco’s carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effect.It’s also important to note that those who continue to smoke and drink during laryngeal cancer treatment are less likely to be cured. The risk for a second tumor also increases.
Laryngeal Cancer
CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
Laryngealcanceris a type of throat cancer (see above) that affects the larynx or “voice box”—an organ that plays an important role in breathing and communicating. It contains the vocal cords, which give us the sound needed to speak.
While tobacco is the prime risk factor in most cases of laryngeal cancer, alcohol, in conjunction with tobacco use, greatly increases the risk. Studies have shown that alcohol enhances (or increases) tobacco’s carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effect.
It’s also important to note that those who continue to smoke and drink during laryngeal cancer treatment are less likely to be cured. The risk for a second tumor also increases.
Colon and Rectal Cancer
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Several studies have linked colon cancer to heavy, long-term use of alcohol. The evidence from scientific studies shows the association is stronger for men, but both genders are at an increased risk compared to nondrinkers.
If you are an alcoholic, your healthcare provider may recommend having acolonoscopyearlier than the recommended age to detect precancerouspolypsor cancerous growths.
Defining Heavy Drinking in Association with Colon Cancer RiskIn 2020, a review of 16 studies looked at the connection between alcohol and colorectal cancer. They defined drinking levels in the folllowing way:Occasional drinking: Less than one per dayLight or moderate drinking: Up to two drinks per dayHeavy drinking: Two to three drinks per dayVery heavy drinking: More than three drinks per dayAccording to this analysis, the increased risk for colon cancer is associated with very heavy drinking.
Defining Heavy Drinking in Association with Colon Cancer Risk
In 2020, a review of 16 studies looked at the connection between alcohol and colorectal cancer. They defined drinking levels in the folllowing way:Occasional drinking: Less than one per dayLight or moderate drinking: Up to two drinks per dayHeavy drinking: Two to three drinks per dayVery heavy drinking: More than three drinks per dayAccording to this analysis, the increased risk for colon cancer is associated with very heavy drinking.
In 2020, a review of 16 studies looked at the connection between alcohol and colorectal cancer. They defined drinking levels in the folllowing way:
According to this analysis, the increased risk for colon cancer is associated with very heavy drinking.
Colon Cancer
Summary
The negative health effects of heavy alcohol use have been well researched and documented. Studies show heavy drinking contributes to liver disease, dementia, pancreatitis, and some cancers. This includes liver, breast, oral, throat, laryngeal, and colorectal cancer.
Tobacco use with heavy drinking increases the risk of cancer further.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have similar definitions of heavy drinking.
A Word From Verywell
Regardless of how many drinks you have per day, if it affects your health, work, home, family, or school, it’s a good idea to cut back. If you want to cut back, but cannot, notify your healthcare provider. Support groups are also helpful because they allow you to interact with others who understand your feelings.
Many people avoid quitting because the thought of quitting cold turkey is daunting.Extreme, sudden withdrawal can be dangerousfor very heavy drinkers.However, you are heading in the right direction even if you cut out one drink or cigarette daily while working out a plan with your healthcare provider.
If you or a loved one want information on support or treatment facilities in your area, you can call theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357.
How to Overcome Drug Addiction
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While the risk may not resolve immediately, it does decrease over time. It also helps your overall health and wellness.
Symptoms of throat cancer include hoarseness, persistent sore throat or cough (lasting longer than four to six weeks), problems swallowing, ear pain, or a lump in the neck or throat.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Connor J.Alcohol consumption as a cause of cancer.Addiction. 2017;112(2):222-228. doi:10.1111/add.13477Loconte NK, Brewster AM, Kaur JS, Merrill JK, Alberg AJ.Alcohol and cancer: a statement of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.J Clin Oncol. 2018;36(1):83-93. doi:10.1200/JCO.2017.76.1155Nelson DE, Jarman DW, Rehm J, et al.Alcohol-attributable cancer deaths and years of potential life lost in the United States.Am J Public Health. 2013;103(4):641-648. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2012.301199Im PK, Millwood IY, Kartsonaki C, Kartsonaki C, et al.Alcohol drinking and risks of liver cancer and non-neoplastic chronic liver diseases in China: a 10-year prospective study of 0.5 million adults.BMC Med.2021;19(1):216. doi:10.1186/s12916-021-02079-1American Cancer Society.Alcohol use and cancer.Liu Y, Nguyen N, Colditz GA.Links between alcohol consumption and breast cancer: a look at the evidence.Womens Health (Lond). 2015;11(1):65–77. doi:10.2217/whe.14.62National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).Drinking levels defined.Dal Maso L, Torelli N, Biancotto E, et al.Combined effect of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking in the risk of head and neck cancers: a re-analysis of case-control studies using bi-dimensional spline models.Eur J Epidemiol. 2016;31(4):385-393. doi:10.1007/s10654-015-0028-3Peng Q, Chen H, Huo J.Alcohol consumption and corresponding factors: a novel perspective on the risk factors of esophageal cancer.Oncol Lett. 2016;11(5):3231-3239. doi:10.3892/ol.2016.4401National Library of Medicine (NIH).Laryngeal cancer treatment.Rossi M, Jahanzaib Anwar M, Usman A, Keshavarzian A, Bishehsari F.Colorectal cancer and alcohol consumption-populations to molecules.Cancers (Basel). 2018;10(2):38. doi:10.3390/cancers10020038McNabb S, Harrison T, Albanes D, et al.Meta-analysis of 16 studies of the association of alcohol with colorectal cancer.Int J Cancer. 2020;146(3):861-873. doi: 10.1002/ijc.32377Wood E, Albarqouni L, Tkachuk S, et al.Will this adult patient develop severe alcohol withdrawal? The rational clinical examination systematic review.JAMA. 2018;320(8):825-833. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.10574Ahmad Kiadaliri A, Jarl J, Gavriilidis G, Gerdtham U.Alcohol drinking cessation and the risk of laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e58158. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0058158Scherübl H.Alcohol use and gastrointestinal cancer risk.Visc Med. 2020;36:175–181. doi:10.1159/000507232Bagnardi V, Rota M, Botteri E, et al.Alcohol consumption and site-specific cancer risk: a comprehensive dose-response meta-analysis.Br J Cancer. 2015;112(3):580-593. doi:10.1038/bjc.2014.579
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Connor J.Alcohol consumption as a cause of cancer.Addiction. 2017;112(2):222-228. doi:10.1111/add.13477Loconte NK, Brewster AM, Kaur JS, Merrill JK, Alberg AJ.Alcohol and cancer: a statement of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.J Clin Oncol. 2018;36(1):83-93. doi:10.1200/JCO.2017.76.1155Nelson DE, Jarman DW, Rehm J, et al.Alcohol-attributable cancer deaths and years of potential life lost in the United States.Am J Public Health. 2013;103(4):641-648. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2012.301199Im PK, Millwood IY, Kartsonaki C, Kartsonaki C, et al.Alcohol drinking and risks of liver cancer and non-neoplastic chronic liver diseases in China: a 10-year prospective study of 0.5 million adults.BMC Med.2021;19(1):216. doi:10.1186/s12916-021-02079-1American Cancer Society.Alcohol use and cancer.Liu Y, Nguyen N, Colditz GA.Links between alcohol consumption and breast cancer: a look at the evidence.Womens Health (Lond). 2015;11(1):65–77. doi:10.2217/whe.14.62National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).Drinking levels defined.Dal Maso L, Torelli N, Biancotto E, et al.Combined effect of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking in the risk of head and neck cancers: a re-analysis of case-control studies using bi-dimensional spline models.Eur J Epidemiol. 2016;31(4):385-393. doi:10.1007/s10654-015-0028-3Peng Q, Chen H, Huo J.Alcohol consumption and corresponding factors: a novel perspective on the risk factors of esophageal cancer.Oncol Lett. 2016;11(5):3231-3239. doi:10.3892/ol.2016.4401National Library of Medicine (NIH).Laryngeal cancer treatment.Rossi M, Jahanzaib Anwar M, Usman A, Keshavarzian A, Bishehsari F.Colorectal cancer and alcohol consumption-populations to molecules.Cancers (Basel). 2018;10(2):38. doi:10.3390/cancers10020038McNabb S, Harrison T, Albanes D, et al.Meta-analysis of 16 studies of the association of alcohol with colorectal cancer.Int J Cancer. 2020;146(3):861-873. doi: 10.1002/ijc.32377Wood E, Albarqouni L, Tkachuk S, et al.Will this adult patient develop severe alcohol withdrawal? The rational clinical examination systematic review.JAMA. 2018;320(8):825-833. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.10574Ahmad Kiadaliri A, Jarl J, Gavriilidis G, Gerdtham U.Alcohol drinking cessation and the risk of laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e58158. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0058158Scherübl H.Alcohol use and gastrointestinal cancer risk.Visc Med. 2020;36:175–181. doi:10.1159/000507232Bagnardi V, Rota M, Botteri E, et al.Alcohol consumption and site-specific cancer risk: a comprehensive dose-response meta-analysis.Br J Cancer. 2015;112(3):580-593. doi:10.1038/bjc.2014.579
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Connor J.Alcohol consumption as a cause of cancer.Addiction. 2017;112(2):222-228. doi:10.1111/add.13477Loconte NK, Brewster AM, Kaur JS, Merrill JK, Alberg AJ.Alcohol and cancer: a statement of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.J Clin Oncol. 2018;36(1):83-93. doi:10.1200/JCO.2017.76.1155Nelson DE, Jarman DW, Rehm J, et al.Alcohol-attributable cancer deaths and years of potential life lost in the United States.Am J Public Health. 2013;103(4):641-648. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2012.301199Im PK, Millwood IY, Kartsonaki C, Kartsonaki C, et al.Alcohol drinking and risks of liver cancer and non-neoplastic chronic liver diseases in China: a 10-year prospective study of 0.5 million adults.BMC Med.2021;19(1):216. doi:10.1186/s12916-021-02079-1American Cancer Society.Alcohol use and cancer.Liu Y, Nguyen N, Colditz GA.Links between alcohol consumption and breast cancer: a look at the evidence.Womens Health (Lond). 2015;11(1):65–77. doi:10.2217/whe.14.62National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).Drinking levels defined.Dal Maso L, Torelli N, Biancotto E, et al.Combined effect of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking in the risk of head and neck cancers: a re-analysis of case-control studies using bi-dimensional spline models.Eur J Epidemiol. 2016;31(4):385-393. doi:10.1007/s10654-015-0028-3Peng Q, Chen H, Huo J.Alcohol consumption and corresponding factors: a novel perspective on the risk factors of esophageal cancer.Oncol Lett. 2016;11(5):3231-3239. doi:10.3892/ol.2016.4401National Library of Medicine (NIH).Laryngeal cancer treatment.Rossi M, Jahanzaib Anwar M, Usman A, Keshavarzian A, Bishehsari F.Colorectal cancer and alcohol consumption-populations to molecules.Cancers (Basel). 2018;10(2):38. doi:10.3390/cancers10020038McNabb S, Harrison T, Albanes D, et al.Meta-analysis of 16 studies of the association of alcohol with colorectal cancer.Int J Cancer. 2020;146(3):861-873. doi: 10.1002/ijc.32377Wood E, Albarqouni L, Tkachuk S, et al.Will this adult patient develop severe alcohol withdrawal? The rational clinical examination systematic review.JAMA. 2018;320(8):825-833. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.10574Ahmad Kiadaliri A, Jarl J, Gavriilidis G, Gerdtham U.Alcohol drinking cessation and the risk of laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e58158. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0058158Scherübl H.Alcohol use and gastrointestinal cancer risk.Visc Med. 2020;36:175–181. doi:10.1159/000507232Bagnardi V, Rota M, Botteri E, et al.Alcohol consumption and site-specific cancer risk: a comprehensive dose-response meta-analysis.Br J Cancer. 2015;112(3):580-593. doi:10.1038/bjc.2014.579
Connor J.Alcohol consumption as a cause of cancer.Addiction. 2017;112(2):222-228. doi:10.1111/add.13477
Loconte NK, Brewster AM, Kaur JS, Merrill JK, Alberg AJ.Alcohol and cancer: a statement of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.J Clin Oncol. 2018;36(1):83-93. doi:10.1200/JCO.2017.76.1155
Nelson DE, Jarman DW, Rehm J, et al.Alcohol-attributable cancer deaths and years of potential life lost in the United States.Am J Public Health. 2013;103(4):641-648. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2012.301199
Im PK, Millwood IY, Kartsonaki C, Kartsonaki C, et al.Alcohol drinking and risks of liver cancer and non-neoplastic chronic liver diseases in China: a 10-year prospective study of 0.5 million adults.BMC Med.2021;19(1):216. doi:10.1186/s12916-021-02079-1
American Cancer Society.Alcohol use and cancer.
Liu Y, Nguyen N, Colditz GA.Links between alcohol consumption and breast cancer: a look at the evidence.Womens Health (Lond). 2015;11(1):65–77. doi:10.2217/whe.14.62
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).Drinking levels defined.
Dal Maso L, Torelli N, Biancotto E, et al.Combined effect of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking in the risk of head and neck cancers: a re-analysis of case-control studies using bi-dimensional spline models.Eur J Epidemiol. 2016;31(4):385-393. doi:10.1007/s10654-015-0028-3
Peng Q, Chen H, Huo J.Alcohol consumption and corresponding factors: a novel perspective on the risk factors of esophageal cancer.Oncol Lett. 2016;11(5):3231-3239. doi:10.3892/ol.2016.4401
National Library of Medicine (NIH).Laryngeal cancer treatment.
Rossi M, Jahanzaib Anwar M, Usman A, Keshavarzian A, Bishehsari F.Colorectal cancer and alcohol consumption-populations to molecules.Cancers (Basel). 2018;10(2):38. doi:10.3390/cancers10020038
McNabb S, Harrison T, Albanes D, et al.Meta-analysis of 16 studies of the association of alcohol with colorectal cancer.Int J Cancer. 2020;146(3):861-873. doi: 10.1002/ijc.32377
Wood E, Albarqouni L, Tkachuk S, et al.Will this adult patient develop severe alcohol withdrawal? The rational clinical examination systematic review.JAMA. 2018;320(8):825-833. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.10574
Ahmad Kiadaliri A, Jarl J, Gavriilidis G, Gerdtham U.Alcohol drinking cessation and the risk of laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e58158. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0058158
Scherübl H.Alcohol use and gastrointestinal cancer risk.Visc Med. 2020;36:175–181. doi:10.1159/000507232
Bagnardi V, Rota M, Botteri E, et al.Alcohol consumption and site-specific cancer risk: a comprehensive dose-response meta-analysis.Br J Cancer. 2015;112(3):580-593. doi:10.1038/bjc.2014.579
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