Even a Single Daily Drink May Raise Risk of Dying From Multiple Cancers

An analysis of three decades of Global Burden of Disease data reveals that alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the United States climbed from 11,361 in 1990 to 23,126 in 2023. The study indicates that consuming just one standard drink each day—defined as 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1.5 oz of spirits—elevates the risk of dying from nine cancer types, including breast, prostate, colon, rectal, stomach, pancreatic, liver, and head-and-neck cancers.

Older adults, particularly those aged 55 and above, and men bear the highest burden. Deaths from colorectal and esophageal cancers are increasing more rapidly than overall cancer deaths, with heavy drinking (over three drinks daily) quadrupling esophageal cancer risk. Meanwhile, public perception of moderate drinking is shifting, as a Gallup poll shows a growing majority view even one or two drinks a day as harmful. The average American now drinks about 3.2 drinks per one outlet.