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Which types of cancer have increased risk from alcohol abuse?
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alcoholism
Examining the effects of alcohol consumption.
Alcohol abuse is a well-established risk factor for the development of several types of cancer. Research indicates that alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, contributing to approximately 100,000 cancer cases annually.1
The risk is associated with the consumption of any type of alcoholic beverage, including beer, wine, and spirits. Specifically, alcohol abuse increases the risk of the following cancers:1
- Head and neck cancers: Including oral cancer (mouth), pharyngeal cancer (throat), and laryngeal cancer (voice box).21
- Esophageal cancer.21
- Liver cancer.21
- Breast cancer.21
- Colorectal cancer.21
In the case of cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus, alcohol acts synergistically with tobacco to further increase risk. Because alcohol is a known carcinogen, limiting intake is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle, as there is no safe threshold for these increased risks.31