Cancer Causes & Risk Factors Types of Cancer Caused by Drinking Alcohol By Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Brandi Jones MSN-Ed, RN-BC is a board-certified registered nurse who owns Brandi Jones LLC, where she writes health and wellness blogs, articles, and education. She lives with her husband and springer spaniel and enjoys camping and tapping into her creativity in her downtime. Learn about our editorial process Updated on July 14, 2022 Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is triple board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and attending physician in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Over the last 30 years, there has been extensive research about the health effects of drinking alcohol. While long-term alcohol use is often associated with liver problems, many people are surprised to learn it is related to other chronic conditions, such as dementia, pancreatitis, and even several types of cancer. While moderate alcohol use may increase cancer risk, the greatest risk occurs with heavy, long-term use. This article discusses the association between alcohol and liver, breast, oral, throat, laryngeal, and colorectal cancer. It also reviews what constitutes heavy drinking. Alcohol's Role in Cancer Deaths Research shows that alcohol use contributes to 4% of cancer deaths worldwide and 3.5% in the United States (US). 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. For those with cirrhosis, scar tissue replaces healthy tissue over time. This keeps the liver from properly functioning. Having cirrhosis greatly increases your risk of developing liver cancer. Liver Cancer Overview 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. Definition of Heavy Drinking The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that heavy drinking is defined in the following way:Men: Four drinks a day or more than 14 drinks per weekWomen: Three drinks a day or more than seven drinks per week Breast Cancer Oral Cancer Hero Images / Getty Images Over 75% of people coping with oral cancer are drinkers. In fact, research shows that those who consume alcohol are six times more likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer than those who don't. Additionally, those who drink and smoke are at an even higher risk of developing the disease. Symptoms of Oral Cancer 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. 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. 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) tobacco's carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effect. It's also important to note that those who continue to smoke and drink during laryngeal cancer treatment are less likely to be cured. The risk for a second tumor also increases. Colon and Rectal Cancer selvanegra/Getty Images Several studies have linked colon cancer to heavy, long-term use of alcohol. The evidence from scientific studies shows the association is stronger for men, but both genders are at an increased risk compared 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 having a colonoscopy earlier than the recommended age to detect precancerous polyps or cancerous growths. Defining Heavy Drinking in Association with Colon Cancer Risk In 2020, a review of 16 studies looked at the connection between alcohol and colorectal cancer. They defined drinking levels in the folllowing way:Occasional drinking: Less than one per dayLight or moderate drinking: Up to two drinks per dayHeavy drinking: Two to three drinks per dayVery heavy drinking: More than three drinks per dayAccording to this analysis, the increased risk for colon cancer is associated with very heavy drinking. Colon Cancer Summary The negative health effects of heavy alcohol use have been well researched and documented. Studies show heavy drinking contributes to liver disease, dementia, pancreatitis, and some cancers. This includes liver, breast, oral, throat, laryngeal, and colorectal cancer. Tobacco use with heavy drinking increases the risk of cancer further. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have similar definitions of heavy drinking. A Word From Verywell Regardless of how many drinks you have per day, if it affects your health, work, home, family, or school, it's a good idea to cut back. If you want to cut back, but cannot, notify your healthcare provider. Support groups are also helpful because they allow you to interact with others who understand your feelings. Many people avoid quitting because the thought of quitting cold turkey is daunting. Extreme, sudden withdrawal can be dangerous for very heavy drinkers. However, you are heading in the right direction even if you cut out one drink or cigarette daily while working out a plan with your provider. If you or a loved one want information on support or treatment facilities in your area, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. How Addiction Is Treated Frequently Asked Questions Does stopping drinking reduce cancer risk? Yes. While the risk may not resolve immediately, it does decrease over time. It also helps your overall health and wellness. How often does alcohol cause throat cancer? Research shows that the risk of laryngeal (voice box) or pharyngeal (throat) cancer for heavy drinkers increases by three to five times that of non-drinkers. Studies also estimate that about 75% of esophageal cancer is related to chronic heavy alcohol use. What does throat cancer feel like in the beginning? Symptoms of throat cancer include hoarseness, persistent sore throat or cough (lasting longer than four to six weeks), problems swallowing, ear pain, or a lump in the neck or throat. 16 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. Connor J. Alcohol consumption as a cause of cancer. Addiction. 2017;112(2):222-228. doi:10.1111/add.13477 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 Nelson DE, Jarman DW, Rehm J, et al. Alcohol-attributable cancer deaths and years of potential life lost in the United States. Am J Public Health. 2013;103(4):641-648. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2012.301199 Im P, Millwood I, Kartsonaki C, Guo Y, et al; China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) collaborative group. Alcohol drinking and risks of liver cancer and non-neoplastic chronic liver diseases in China: A 10-year prospective study of 0.5 million adults. BMC Med. 2021;19(1):216. doi: 10.1186/s12916-021-02079-1 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 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Drinking levels defined. Dal Maso L, Torelli N, Biancotto E, et al. Combined effect of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking in the risk of head and neck cancers: A re-analysis of case-control studies using bi-dimensional spline models. Eur J Epidemiol. 2016;31(4):385-93. doi: 10.1007/s10654-015-0028-3 Peng Q, Chen H, Huo J. Alcohol consumption and corresponding factors: A novel perspective on the risk factors of esophageal cancer. Oncol Lett. 2016;11(5):3231-3239. doi:10.3892/ol.2016.4401 National Library of Medicine (NIH). Laryngeal cancer treatment. Rossi M, Jahanzaib Anwar M, Usman A, Keshavarzian A, Bishehsari F. Colorectal cancer and alcohol consumption-populations to molecules. Cancers (Basel). 2018;10(2):38. doi:10.3390/cancers10020038 McNabb S, Harrison T, Albanes D, et al. Meta-analysis of 16 studies of the association of alcohol with colorectal cancer. Int J Cancer. 2020;146(3):861-873. doi: 10.1002/ijc.32377 Wood E, Albarqouni L, Tkachuk S, et al. Will this adult patient develop severe alcohol withdrawal? The rational clinical examination systematic review. JAMA. 2018;320(8):825-833. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.10574 Ahmad Kiadaliri A, Jarl J, Gavriilidis G, Gerdtham U. Alcohol drinking cessation and the risk of laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e58158. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058158 Scherübl H. Alcohol use and gastrointestinal cancer risk. Visc Med. 2020;36:175–181. doi: 10.1159/000507232 Bagnardi V, Rota M, Botteri E, et al. Alcohol consumption and site-specific cancer risk: a comprehensive dose-response meta-analysis. Br J Cancer. 2015;112(3):580-593. doi:10.1038/bjc.2014.579 By Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Brandi is a nurse and the owner of Brandi Jones LLC. She specializes in health and wellness writing including blogs, articles, and education. Originally written by Lisa Fayed See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit