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Alcohol-related cancer deaths double in US
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Alcohol-linked cancer deaths in the US doubled to 23,126 in 2023 from 11,361 in 1990.
Even one drink a day may raise cancer risk, affecting millions of drinkers.
Background
A new study from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center analyzed Global Burden of Disease data from 1990 to 2023, finding that annual alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the US more than doubled. The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health - Americas, highlights that even low levels of drinking, such as one drink a day, can increase cancer risk. It also found significant variations by state, with Washington, D.C. having the highest rate and Utah the lowest.
How it unfolded
- 1990Annual alcohol-related cancer deaths in the US were 11,361.
- 2023Annual alcohol-related cancer deaths rose to 23,126, more than doubling.
- Sep 2, 2026Study presented at ASCO 2025 and published in The Lancet Regional Health - Americas.
- Sep 4, 2026News of the study spreads widely, with coverage by CNN, USA Today, and other outlets.
Who’s saying what
- Researchers
- Alcohol is a modifiable cancer risk factor, and even low intake levels can increase risk.