A systematic review on the risk of developing cancer and frequency of alcohol consumption behaviours in US adults

The authors of a systematic review published in the journal, Cancer Epidemiology, say the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels, influence both cancer incidence and outcomes. Their work examined the relationship between varying levels of alcohol consumption and the risk of developing cancer in US adults. It also explores the comorbid conditions that may increase long-term cancer risk among alcohol users and identifies the social and demographic factors that place certain population groups at heightened risk.
A total of 62 studies were retained for analysis following title, abstract, and full text screening. Race/ethnicity (n = 46/62) and age (n = 42/62) were the most frequently mentioned individual risk factors. Across the 62 studies reviewed, alcohol consumption was consistently identified as a risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast (n = 23/62), colorectal (n = 13/62), and liver (n = 10/62), among others. Other alcohol-associated comorbidities reported include obesity (n = 8/62), alcoholic liver disease (n = 5/62), and diabetes (n = 4/62).
Alcohol intake, particularly at higher frequency or greater quantity, was consistently associated with elevated risk for multiple cancers, most notably colorectal, breast, and liver. Dose-response relationships were a common finding, underscoring that risk is not limited to heavy or chronic use.
Source: Abraham I, Dasilva G, et al. A systematic review on the risk of developing cancer and frequency of alcohol consumption behaviors in US adults. Cancer Epidemiol. 2025 Dec;99:102956. doi.org/10.1016/j.canep.2025.102956.