Alcohol-Related Cancer Deaths Rose Since 1990

New research shows deaths tied to alcohol increased over three decades, especially among men and adults aged 55 and older.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Cancer

Bold flat-color editorial illustration in navy, cream, and red depicting a glass and DNA structure, signifying long-term medical health trends. — Alcohol-related cancer deaths in the United States more than doubled between 1990 and 2023, according to new mortality research data. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is the health impact of alcohol use getting worse in your area?

Alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the United States grew from 11,361 in 1990 to 23,126 by 2023. While overall cancer mortality declined, the proportion of cancer deaths linked to alcohol rose from 2.2% to 3.5% during this period.

Why it matters

This shift highlights a growing public health concern as alcohol-attributable cancer mortality now accounts for a larger share of total cancer deaths. Understanding these trends helps clarify how shifting patterns in alcohol consumption may be impacting long-term cancer risk.

In a retrospective study of ten cancer types from 1990 to 2023, researchers found that the age-standardized mortality rate increased from 3.8 to 4.1 deaths per 100,000 population. The data remains limited in its ability to isolate specific behavioral causes for the observed increases.

The details

Researchers analyzed mortality trends across ten types of cancer, noting that alcohol acts as a carcinogen through various biological pathways, including the metabolizing of ethanol into acetaldehyde, which damages cellular DNA. Liver cancer saw the most significant impact, with mortality rates rising 114% over the 33-year study period. The findings reveal a clear demographic split, with mortality rates climbing 14.3% among men while falling 16% among women.

1990 marked the beginning of the study period for cancer mortality trends.
2023 served as the end of the study period and the final data point.

Cancer
Sept. 22
U.S. Cancer Death Rates Have Continued to Fall
Nutrition
Sept. 27
Federal Alcohol Consumption Limits Were Removed
Substance Abuse
Sept. 21
US Alcohol Consumption Rates Declined From 2022 to 2024

Health Landscape

While the nation has seen a historic decline in overall cancer mortality, this finding reveals a concerning divergence in alcohol-attributable outcomes. This trend suggests that while standard cancer prevention and treatment have improved, specific risk factors linked to alcohol require renewed attention.

Because alcohol consumption is a known contributor to several types of cancer, reviewing your intake is a practical topic to discuss with your primary care physician. Pay particular attention to persistent symptoms or changes in health status as you age, especially if you are 55 or older.

The takeaway

Alcohol-linked cancer mortality is rising, particularly for older adults and men, marking a shift in the broader landscape of cancer outcomes. Consider discussing your alcohol consumption with your doctor to understand your personal risk factors and how to align your habits with preventative goals.