The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a part of the World Health Organization, has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating that there is substantial evidence showing its potential to cause cancer in humans. Alongside alcohol, other carcinogens in this category include tobacco, asbestos, and radiation. In light of this, experts emphasize that individuals should be equally concerned about the health risks of drinking as they are about smoking.
When it comes to reversing the damage caused by alcohol consumption, the timeline for reductions in cancer risk after quitting drinking is less well-defined compared to smoking. While studies have shown that individuals who quit smoking a decade ago have half the risk of dying from lung cancer compared to current smokers, the impact of quitting alcohol on cancer risk is less certain. Research suggests that it may take at least 20 years after giving up alcohol for the risk of liver cancer to be similar to that of a lifelong non-drinker. Although some improvements, such as weight loss and better blood pressure and cholesterol levels, may be seen in as little as a month of sobriety, the cellular damage caused by alcohol can take a very long time to repair.
Factors such as family history and past binge drinking habits can influence the extent to which an individual may benefit from reducing their alcohol intake. For those with a history of excessive drinking or genetic predispositions to certain cancers, the ability to reverse the risks may be limited. Current U.S. dietary guidelines recommend no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men to minimize the associated health risks. However, there is growing evidence suggesting that even consuming alcohol within these limits may elevate the overall risk of cancer, heart disease, or mortality.
While some studies have suggested potential health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, particularly in the context of antioxidants in red wine and lower mortality rates compared to abstainers, many healthcare professionals and researchers remain skeptical. The American Cancer Society’s chief scientific officer, Dr. William Dahut, highlighted the challenges in validating the supposed benefits of red wine in further studies. Even if there were some health advantages to drinking, experts caution that these potential benefits would be overshadowed by the associated risks. Consequently, most doctors would not recommend alcohol consumption for health purposes.
Are certain types of alcohol worse for you than others? Medical professionals stress that the key factor to consider is the quantity or concentration of alcohol, rather than whether it’s from liquor, beer, or wine, as the alcohol molecules themselves are what contribute to an individual’s increased risk of developing cancer. Some experts have raised concerns about the challenge of accurately determining the alcohol content in certain drinks. Dr. Kenneth Nahum, an oncologist at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, highlighted spiked seltzers and teas as potential culprits, especially among the younger demographic who may underestimate their alcohol intake. “They’re drinking it like it’s a soft drink,” he remarked. “They don’t even realize they’re drinking that much.”
The recent warning from the surgeon general regarding alcohol consumption may not prompt immediate changes in behavior, according to Gilbert, an expert in the field. Nevertheless, he believes that over time, it could influence how individuals perceive the associated risks. “This advisory is a positive step in raising awareness so that everyone can be better informed and make informed decisions for themselves,” he commented. A study conducted in 2023 revealed that adults under 35 are now less likely to consume alcohol compared to previous generations, while drinking rates have risen among those aged 55 and above. Possible explanations put forth by experts include reduced in-person socializing among young adults in comparison to earlier cohorts, or a preference for alternative substances. Elizabeth Kovacs, a surgery professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, noted, “Some are consuming less alcohol, possibly due to the increased availability of vaping and edibles.”
