Despite alcohol being a leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, public awareness of its cancer risk remains strikingly low, according to a new study. Researchers found that while alcohol is linked to approximately 75,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S., many Americans remain unaware of this connection.
The study highlights a troubling knowledge gap: although 69.3% of U.S. adults report drinking alcohol, few associate it with increased cancer risk. The researchers examined awareness levels across various sociodemographic groups, including differences in age, education, income, and personal beliefs about cancer. Their analysis found that awareness was especially limited among younger adults, those with lower educational attainment, and individuals without a personal or family history of cancer.
This lack of awareness may hinder efforts to reduce alcohol-related cancer burden through behaviour change. The findings underscore an urgent need for targeted public health campaigns and educational efforts to inform the population about the cancer risks linked to alcohol consumption.
As alcohol consumption in the US continues to rise, the researchers emphasize that addressing this knowledge gap is critical to supporting informed decision-making and reducing cancer incidence nationwide.
Reference
Domgue JF et al. Public awareness of the association between alcohol and cancer in the US. JAMA Oncology. 2025; doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.1146.
