Alcohol and Cancer Risk: Is a Drop Too Much?
-
by LAURA TENNER
November 10, 2025
-
6 min
7 Key Takeaways
-
1
NASEM's report found no link between moderate alcohol and some cancers.
-
2
Alcohol Intake and Health Study suggested even low drinking raises cancer risks.
-
3
New dietary guidelines on alcohol consumption are urgently needed.
-
4
Breast cancer risk increases with alcohol consumption.
-
5
WHO states no level of alcohol is safe.
-
6
Alcohol use impacts cancer treatments' effectiveness.
-
7
Cancer survivors' alcohol consumption rates have increased significantly.
In 2022, Congress requested a review from NASEM regarding alcohol's health risks, particularly its underestimated effects on cancer. Two conflicting studies emerged, with NASEM denying links between moderate alcohol and certain cancers but noting increased breast cancer risk. In contrast, the Alcohol Intake and Health Study suggested even low alcohol intake raises risks for several cancers and overall mortality without significant benefits. These findings challenge existing dietary guidelines, highlighting the urgency for evidence-based recommendations on alcohol consumption to mitigate cancer recurrence among the growing population of cancer survivors.
Listen Tab content
