US Alcohol-Linked Cancer Deaths Hit 23,126 in 2023, Doubling Since 1990
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 11
US Alcohol-Linked Cancer Deaths Hit 23,126 in 2023, Doubling Since 1990
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 11
Summary
23,126 Americans died from alcohol-attributable cancers in 2023, up from 11,361 in 1990, with the sharpest increases among men and people 55 and older, a University of Miami study found.
The study said alcohol’s share of cancer deaths rose even as overall cancer mortality fell, indicating the carcinogen accounted for a growing portion of deaths over the period.
Liver, esophageal and colorectal cancers caused the most alcohol-linked deaths in 2023; researchers also reported state disparities, with Washington, D.C., highest and Utah lowest.
The authors said the data do not establish a safe drinking threshold, adding to pressure for tighter U.S. alcohol guidance after a June study found more than one drink a day raises cancer risk.