Study Shows Sharp Rise in Alcohol-Related Cancer Deaths in U.S.

Alcohol-related cancer deaths rose sharply in the U.S., especially among men and older adults.

In the United States of America, alcohol-driven cancer deaths accelerated dramatically within the past three decades, according to a new study. The report, which is being presented at the annual conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology this week, states that men and those aged 55 and over are especially victimized for the alcohol-related deaths, and it increased significantly from 11,896 to 23,207 between 1990 and 2021.

Esophagus, colon, and liver cancer were the most frequent causes of this category, with 16,500 alcohol-related cancer deaths recorded in 2021, with cases of 70% of these fatalities happening to men.  The lead researcher and a hematology and oncology fellow at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Chinmay Jani, explained that there is a need for awareness among the public and medical field, since tobacco is known for its risk of cancer, while there is no awareness regarding alcohol. Despite the amount of alcohol people consume, it has the potential to affect health. The U.S. surgeon general released an advisory regarding the alcohol consumption that will lead to seven types of cancer, such as breast and colorectal. Labeling alcoholic beverages with cancer risk warnings is advised.  

According to the report, mostly men are the ones who die from alcohol-related deaths at a rate of 70% and women at a rate of 15.2%. New Mexico recorded the highest rise in alcohol-related cancer deaths, with nearly 60% in males and 18% in females. While Massachusetts and New York show a declination in female alcohol-related cancer deaths and the greatest decrease in male deaths was recorded in Washington D.C. and New York. In the country, the lowest rates of deaths were still observed in Utah.