Why limiting drinking as much as possible is best for your health.
You may have seen headlines linking alcohol consumption to cancer. The topic has come to light after former Surgeon General of the United States Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory that regular alcohol consumption can increase the risk of certain cancers.
In the 2025 advisory, Murthy recommended that alcoholic beverages carry a warning label about these risks. The advisory comes after recent studies have also highlighted alcohol’s connection to various cancers.
“Even moderate drinking can increase risk for cancer,” said Dr. Wei Zheng of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
Understanding the alcohol-consumption terminology
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate, heavy and binge drinking as the following:
- Moderate drinking: Two standard drinks or less per day for males and one drink or less per day for females
- Heavy drinking: Five or more drinks for males per week and eight or more drinks for females
- Binge drinking: Five or more drinks for males in one sitting and four or more for females
The CDC also specifies what constitutes a standard drink:
- 12 ounces of beer with 5% alcohol
- 8 ounces of malt liquor with 7% alcohol
- 5 ounces of wine with 12% alcohol
- a shot or 1.5 ounces of liquor or distilled spirits (80-proof)
What the advisory and research say about alcohol and cancer
The surgeon general’s advisory highlights that even moderate drinking can increase the risk of developing at least seven types of cancer, including the following.
- breast cancer
- colorectal cancer
- esophageal cancer
- liver cancer
- mouth cancer
- throat cancer
- voice box cancer
The advisory aligns with recent research highlighting the links between alcohol and cancer, including two studies published in 2024. One study shows associations between light and moderate drinking and a higher risk of cancer in older adults.
Another report shows that excessive alcohol use has links to several types of cancer, including those listed in the surgeon general’s advisory.
“Previously we thought there was some health benefit to drinking moderately,” Zheng said. “But now there’s no evidence supporting any benefit.”
In 2022, the World Health Organization stated that “there is no safe amount that does not affect health.”
Why alcohol consumption may increase cancer risk
When enzymes in your body metabolize alcohol, the process creates byproducts. One byproduct is acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a known carcinogen, a substance that promotes cancer development.
“This byproduct can actually damage DNA and that can cause a mutation,” Zheng explained. Several other mechanisms may also be involved for various types of cancer. “For example, drinking alcohol can increase estrogen, and that can cause breast cancer,” he added.
But here’s some good news for those reducing their drinking or quitting altogether. “Some of the damage caused by alcohol can be reversed,” Zheng said. The longer you go without drinking, you decrease your risk.
Cutting back or quitting alcohol
Zheng recommends not drinking at all or limiting your consumption. “If you drink just one drink occasionally, I think it’s fine,” he said. But ultimately, he recommends thinking of alcohol like most people now think of tobacco: Abstaining is best.
Zheng said he recognizes that cutting back or quitting alcohol can be challenging, especially if drinking has become a habit in social settings. Sipping mocktails instead can help.
If you are having difficulty quitting drinking or cutting back, you may have alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is a medical condition defined as having difficulty stopping or controlling alcohol use despite adverse consequences, including with your relationships, your job or your health. If you are struggling with AUD, the Vanderbilt Addictions Program can help.
If drinking is causing problems
Our Addictions Program helps patients struggling with both mental health and substance abuse concerns. We provide inpatient and outpatient care depending on your needs. Our aftercare and discharge planning services help our patients lead healthy lives after they leave treatment.
