Quick Hit:

Cancer deaths in the U.S. have dropped by a third over the past 30 years, yet alcohol remains a less recognized cancer risk, contributing to various types of the disease, according to a new report from the American Association for Cancer Research.

Key Details:

• From 1991 to 2021, U.S. cancer deaths fell by 33%, saving approximately 4.1 million lives.

• Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to six types of cancer, including breast and liver cancers.

• In 2019, 5.4% of U.S. cancer cases were attributed to alcohol consumption.

Diving Deeper:

Cancer deaths in the United States have decreased significantly, with a 33% reduction in mortality rates between 1991 and 2021, according to the latest Cancer Progress Report from the American Association for Cancer Research. This decline, translating to an estimated 4.1 million lives saved, is largely attributed to lower smoking rates, earlier detection, and advances in treatment.

The report highlights the success in reducing cancer deaths among children and adolescents as well, noting a 24% drop over the past two decades. While this progress is promising, there is still a significant risk factor that remains under-recognized: alcohol consumption.

Excessive alcohol intake is linked to six different types of cancer, including breast, liver, stomach, colorectal, and certain head and neck cancers. Despite the well-established connection, public awareness of alcohol’s role in cancer risk remains low. The report revealed that 5.4% of U.S. cancer cases in 2019 were caused by alcohol consumption. Alarmingly, research suggests that drinking during pregnancy may increase the risk of leukemia in children.

On "CBS Mornings," Dr. Céline Gounder, a public health expert and contributor to CBS News, stressed that excessive alcohol use begins at around three drinks per day for women and four for men. Gounder also pointed out that no amount of alcohol is considered safe, especially for those with underlying health conditions. Her advice to Americans: if you don't drink, don't start, and for those who do, moderation is key.

The report also calls for increased public messaging about the dangers of alcohol consumption in relation to cancer. Suggested initiatives include cancer-specific warning labels on alcoholic beverages and enhanced clinical strategies to reduce alcohol-related cancers. Researchers previously found that more than 40% of cancer deaths among Americans aged 30 and older are linked to preventable lifestyle choices, including alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet.

Efforts to reduce cancer risk should also include preventive measures such as using sunscreen to protect against skin cancer and increasing HPV vaccination rates to curb cervical and oral cancers. Dr. Gounder emphasized that the U.S. lags behind other developed nations in vaccinating against HPV, leaving many at risk for these preventable cancers.