Alcohol consumption linked to six major cancers in alarming new report

The American Association for Cancer Research has studied the relationship between alcohol consumption and several types of cancer including breast and esophageal

Six cancers - including breast cancer - are linked to alcohol consumption, an eye-opening new study shows.

Alcohol consumption is described by researchers at the American Association for Cancer Research as "a modifiable risk factor" - something we can change ourselves. Their investigation shows a rise in recent years in cancer diagnosis in those who drink more frequently.

In 2019, more than one in 20 cancer diagnoses in the West were attributed to alcohol consumption, and this is increasing with time, the statistics highlight. This figure challenges the widespread perception drinking a little bit of alcohol is good for the body, something stated following a different study just two years ago.

But the recent study sheds particular light on early-onset colorectal cancer among adults under 50. The report notes a 1.9 percent annual increase between 2011 and 2019. Research consistently shows a link between frequent and regular drinking in early and mid-adulthood and a higher risk of colon and rectal cancers later in life.

The report reads: "In the US, 40 percent of all cancers are associated with modifiable risk factors. Among these risk factors is excessive alcohol consumption. A growing body of research, summarised in the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2024, has clarified the impact of alcohol use on cancer incidence and outcomes. Excessive levels of alcohol consumption increase the risk for six different types of cancer."

The research comes as the Sunday Mirror exclusively reveals a blood test which can detect the 12 most common and lethal cancers before symptoms develop is to be funded by the Government. Scientists say it opens the door to NHS population cancer screening that could transform survival chances and save ten of thousands of lives a year.

Six cancers linked to alcohol consumption

• Head and neck cancers

• Esophageal cancer

• Liver cancer

• Breast cancer

• Colorectal cancer

• Stomach cancer