Cancer Causes & Risk Factors Types of Cancer Caused by Drinking Alcohol By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 21, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print It's true that several types of cancer are caused by drinking alcohol. The health effects of drinking alcohol have been thoroughly researched and documented. While most people associate long-term alcohol use with liver problems, many are surprised that it is related to other chronic conditions, such as dementia, pancreatitis, and even several types of cancer. Liver, throat, and esophageal cancer have the clearest association with chronic, long-term alcohol use, but other cancers have been indicated in studies as well. Tobacco use, combined with alcohol, greatly increases the risk of some cancers. The combination is a "perfect storm," especially in cancers that affect the upper digestive tract (esophageal and throat cancer). In general, the more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk, so even cutting down a bit can help. Overall it's felt that alcohol is the cause of 3.5% of cancer deaths in the United States. It is expected that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will develop cancer over their lifetime. 1 Liver Cancer DEPT. OF CLINICAL RADIOLOGY, SALISBURY DISTRICT HOSPITAL / Getty Images The association between liver cancer and alcohol consumption has been thoroughly researched and documented. Long-term excessive drinking is a major risk factor for cirrhosis, a condition marked by scarring and inflammation of the liver. Over time, healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue, impeding the liver's ability to properly function. Having cirrhosis greatly increases your risk of developing liver cancer. Liver Cancer Overview 2 Breast Cancer Hero Images / Getty Images Many women are surprised to learn that a few drinks a week may increase their risk of breast cancer. Alcohol affects estrogen levels by changing the way the body metabolizes them. Estrogen levels are linked to breast cancer development. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Women who drink moderately or excessively regularly face the most risk. Breast Cancer 3 Oral Cancer Hero Images / Getty Images Those who consume alcohol are six times more likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer than those who don't. Research shows that over 75% of people coping with oral cancer are drinkers. Additionally, those who drink and smoke are at an even higher risk of developing the disease. Symptoms of Oral Cancer 4 Throat Cancer Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/MNPhotoStudios / Getty Images Throat cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the pharynx and other structures of the throat. Research tells us that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with throat cancer development, but when combined with tobacco, the risk of developing the disease drastically increases. If you smoke and drink, talk to someone about quitting today. What Are the Risk Factors for Lung Cancer? 5 Esophageal Cancer KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images Esophageal cancer develops in the esophagus, a long tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. It has been estimated that about 75% of esophageal cancer cases are related to chronic alcohol consumption. The type of esophageal cancer most people who drink excessively develop is usually squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. This is in contrast to esophageal adenocarcinoma, which often occurs in response to chronic reflux. An Overview of Esophageal Cancer 6 Laryngeal Cancer CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images Laryngeal cancer is a type of throat cancer (see above) that affects the larynx or "voice box"—an organ that plays an important role in breathing and communicating. It contains the vocal cords, which give us the sound needed to speak. While tobacco is the prime risk factor in most cases of laryngeal cancer, alcohol, in conjunction with tobacco use, greatly increases the risk. Studies have shown that alcohol enhances (or increases) the carcinogenic effect of tobacco. An Overview of Laryngeal Cancer 7 Colon and Rectal Cancer selvanegra/Getty Images Several studies have linked colon cancer to heavy, long-term use of alcohol. According to the American Cancer Society, male drinkers generally have a higher risk than women drinkers, but both are at an increased risk in comparison to nondrinkers. If you are a heavy drinker, you can reduce your risk of colon cancer, and other types of cancer, by avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you consume. If you are an alcoholic, your healthcare provider may recommend that you have a colonoscopy earlier than the recommended age to detect precancerous polyps or cancerous growths. Colon Cancer 8 Pancreatic Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Melanoma Numerous studies have examined whether there is an association between alcohol consumption and the risk of other cancers. Evidence is accumulating that alcohol is associated with increased risks of melanoma, as well as prostate and pancreatic cancers. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Cancer Institute. Alcohol and cancer risk. American Cancer Society. Alcohol use and cancer. Liu Y, Nguyen N, Colditz GA. Links between alcohol consumption and breast cancer: a look at the evidence. Womens Health (Lond). 2015;11(1):65–77. doi:10.2217/whe.14.62 Loconte NK, Brewster AM, Kaur JS, Merrill JK, Alberg AJ. Alcohol and cancer: a statement of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. J Clin Oncol. 2018;36(1):83-93. doi:10.1200/JCO.2017.76.1155