Alcohol-Related Cancer Deaths Rose Since 1990

Researchers found that cancer mortality linked to alcohol consumption increased significantly in the United States by 2023.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Cancer

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an hourglass containing a cross-shaped sand formation, symbolizing rising alcohol-related health trends. — Researchers report that annual cancer deaths attributable to alcohol consumption in the United States rose significantly from 1990 to 2023. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A new study analyzed U.S. cancer mortality data from 1990 to 2023, revealing that annual alcohol-attributable cancer deaths climbed from 11,361 to 23,126. Over this period, the proportion of cancer deaths linked to alcohol rose from 2.2% to 3.5%.

Why it matters

While overall cancer mortality rates in the United States declined during the same timeframe, the rise in alcohol-linked cases highlights shifting risk factors in the population. This divergence underscores the growing impact of specific behavioral drivers on long-term health outcomes.

The age-standardized mortality rate for alcohol-attributable cancer rose from 3.8 to 4.1 per 100,000 population. Liver cancer saw the most significant impact, with its alcohol-attributable mortality rate increasing 114% over the study period.

The details

The research utilized modeled and predicted mortality estimates across 10 distinct cancer types. While rates remained stable among adults aged 20 to 54, those aged 55 and older experienced a 21.5% increase in mortality rates linked to alcohol consumption.

The study analyzed U.S. cancer mortality trends between 1990 and 2023.
The final data point for the longitudinal analysis was recorded in 2023.

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The Big Picture

This study follows the methodology established by the National Cancer Institute's cancer surveillance programs to isolate alcohol as a mortality factor within the broader dataset. It extends these existing surveillance frameworks by specifically quantifying alcohol's shifting role in oncology outcomes.

These findings emphasize the importance of discussing alcohol intake habits with healthcare providers as part of a routine cancer prevention strategy. Understanding these age-specific mortality risks can assist older adults in making informed lifestyle choices to manage their long-term health.

The takeaway

Although overall cancer deaths are trending downward, the specific rise in alcohol-linked mortality signals a need for increased awareness regarding behavioral risk factors. Targeted screening may be increasingly necessary for older demographics as the prevalence of these specific cancer types continues to grow.