Key Points:
- Alcohol and cancer risk awareness is low: Only 37.1% of U.S. adults know alcohol raises cancer risk, showing a major public health gap.
- Unequal awareness: Drinkers and less educated groups are least aware of the alcohol–cancer link.
- Need for education: Experts urge stronger awareness campaigns to cut preventable cancer cases.
HOUSTON, Nov. 5, 2025 — More than half of U.S. adults do not know that drinking alcohol increases cancer risk, according to a new study from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Researchers say the findings highlight a major gap in public health awareness about alcohol and cancer risk, which could hinder efforts to prevent alcohol-related cancers.
The study, published Oct. 30 in JAMA Oncology, found that only 37.1% of American adults recognized that alcohol raises cancer risk. Another 52.9% were unaware or uncertain, and 1% believed alcohol actually lowers the risk.
Lead author Sanjay Shete, Ph.D., professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology and Betty B. Marcus Chair in Cancer Prevention, called the results troubling. “It’s concerning that people who drink alcohol are the ones most likely to believe it has no effect on cancer risk,” Shete said. “People’s beliefs influence their health decisions, so addressing these misconceptions is essential to reducing alcohol-related cancers.”
Low Awareness Among Drinkers
Researchers analyzed responses from nearly 7,000 adults aged 18 and older who participated in the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey. The average participant age was 48, with 48.4% female, 60.7% white, 17.5% Hispanic, and 11% Black. More than half reported drinking alcohol in the past month, and about 10% had a personal history of cancer.
Participants were asked how they believed alcohol affected cancer risk, choosing from four options: decreases, no effect, increases, or don’t know. Those who had recently consumed alcohol, smoked cigarettes, or doubted that cancer could be prevented were more likely to say alcohol had no influence on cancer risk.
The study also found that individuals with lower education levels and Black respondents were less aware of the alcohol and cancer risk connection. Researchers say these trends point to a need for more inclusive and targeted education campaigns.
Link Between Alcohol and Cancer
Alcohol is a proven carcinogen. The World Health Organization classifies it as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same category as tobacco, asbestos, and radiation. Drinking alcohol has been linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancers.
According to the National Institutes of Health, alcohol accounts for roughly 5.5% of all new cancer cases and 5.8% of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite this, few Americans associate alcohol with cancer the way they do with smoking or UV exposure.
Shete emphasized that awareness about alcohol and cancer risk could save lives. “If people understand the real risks, they’re more likely to follow the Surgeon General’s guidelines for alcohol use,” he said. The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2025 advisory encourages limiting alcohol consumption to reduce preventable cancer deaths.
Need for Better Public Education
The research team found that misconceptions about alcohol and cancer risk remain deeply rooted in cultural habits and personal beliefs. Many Americans still view moderate drinking as harmless or even beneficial for heart health, a perception that conflicts with current cancer research.
Public health experts say correcting these beliefs through clear, evidence-based communication could significantly reduce preventable cancers. Education efforts might include warning labels, school health programs, and physician counseling.
The study was supported by the National Cancer Institute (P30CA016672) and the Betty B. Marcus Chair in Cancer Prevention. A full list of authors and disclosures is available in JAMA Oncology.
