New review, alcohol increases risk of 7 cancers

A new analysis of the evidence that uses AICR research concludes that alcohol links to increased risk of seven types of cancers, causing almost half a million deaths from cancer in 2012. The review, published today in the journal Addiction, supports AICR’s findings.

The new review concluded that alcohol consumption linked to cancers of the: breast; pharynx; larynx; esophagus; liver; colon; and rectum. (AICR evidence also shows a link with alcohol and stomach cancer.)

AICR’s Recommendations for Cancer Prevention say that if you do drink alcohol, drink moderate amounts. (1 glass for women daily; 2 for men).

The evidence in the new article comes from an author’s comprehensive reviews of the major analyses over the past decade, including from American Institute for Cancer Research and World Cancer Research Fund along with others.

The review also finds the current evidence that moderate drinking provides protection against cardiovascular disease is not strong.

For more on alcohol and cancer risk, visit AICR’s Facts about Alcohol.