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New Federal Report Finds Even Moderate Drinking Carries Health Risks, Including Injuries, Liver Disease and Cancer

Updated: Jan 23


Findings from a new report from the Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD)  indicate that alcohol use is linked to a higher risk of developing liver disease, cancer, and other serious conditions. According to the data, even moderate drinking increases the chances of harm, including a higher risk of cancer and death. The study specifically points to alcohol's role in causing seven types of cancer, such as liver and breast cancer. 


Key points from the report include: 


  • “In the US, both males and females have a 1 in 1000 risk of dying from alcohol use if they consume more than seven drinks per week. This risk increases to 1 in 100 if they consume more than nine drinks per week.”


  • “Males and females who consumed one drink per day had an increased risk of liver cirrhosis, esophageal cancer, oral cancer, and injuries, but a lower risk for ischemic stroke.” 


  • “In addition, females had a higher risk for liver cancer and a lower risk for diabetes mellitus when they drank one drink per day.”


  • “Alcohol use is associated with increased mortality for seven types of cancer (colorectal, female breast, liver, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus [squamous cell type]). Increased risk for these cancers begins with alcohol use and increases with higher levels of use. Women experience a much greater risk of an alcohol-attributable cancer per drink consumed.“


Health experts are now calling for stronger public health warnings about alcohol, particularly in light of these new findings. As the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are developed, this report adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the impact of alcohol consumption on public health. While the alcohol industry continues to promote its product, experts emphasize the need for continued awareness and preventive measures to reduce alcohol-related harm across the country.


The findings come on the heels of U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s health advisory on the links between alcohol and cancer that called for stronger warning labels on alcohol. 



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