Drinking alcohol is a known risk factor for multiple types of cancer. Research has linked alcohol to cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, liver, breast, esophagus, stomach, and colon.
Questions continue to be raised about product labeling, corporate responsibility, and consumer awareness.
Our Chicago lawyers focus on holding negligent companies accountable for failing to adequately warn the public about these risks. We advocate for individuals and families impacted by alcohol-related cancers.
All types of alcoholic beverages increase the risk of developing cancer. This includes:
When it comes to alcohol consumption, it isn’t the type of alcohol that matters, but the amount that is drunk.
One standard-sized serving of alcohol = 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor (distilled spirits).
Ethanol is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic drinks. It is known to have a depressant effect on the nervous system. Concentrations of alcohol (100-200 mg/dl) can lead to blurred vision, disorientation, ataxia, stupor, vomiting, and, in some cases, blackouts. High concentrations of ethanol (greater than 200 mg/dl) can lead to diplopia, severe incoordination, coma, hypotension, hypoglycemia, cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory depression, and seizures.
According to the National Institute of Health, about 5.5% of all new cancer diagnoses, and 5.8% of all cancer deaths are related to alcohol.
The use of alcohol has been linked to the following cancers:
Cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, and esophagus
Research has shown that alcohol use increases the risk of developing mouth, throat, voice box, and esophagus cancer. Drinking and smoking together increases the risk many times more than drinking or smoking alone.
The combination of smoking and drinking is especially harmful because the alcohol assists the chemicals in tobacco by helping them get into the cells that line your mouth, throat, and esophagus. Additionally, alcohol can limit how these cells repair damage caused by tobacco.
Liver cancer
Prolonged use of alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of developing liver cancer. Consistent, heavy alcohol use can damage the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring.
Colon and rectal cancer
Regular alcohol use has been linked to a higher risk of colon and rectum cancer.
Breast cancer
Alcohol can increase estrogen levels in the body, leading to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Avoiding or cutting back on alcohol consumption can be an important way for women to reduce their risk of breast cancer.
Stomach cancer
Consuming alcohol can increase gut inflammation, which raises the risk of stomach cancer.
There are several ways in which alcohol consumption can raise the risk of cancer.
Damage to body tissues
Alcohol consumption can damage body tissues in a variety of ways.
Damaged cells may try to repair themselves, which can lead to DNA changes that can potentially be another step towards cancer.
Absorption by the body
Alcohol can also damage the body by helping harmful chemicals enter the cells lining the upper digestive tract, including the toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Alcohol can also inhibit the body’s ability to break down and get rid of some harmful chemicals.
On the other side, alcohol can affect the body’s ability to absorb helpful nutrients, such as folate. Folate is required by the cells to stay healthy. Low levels of folate may play a role in the development of breast and colorectal cancers.
Hormones and body weight
Estrogen is a critical hormone in the development, growth, and healthy maintenance of breast tissue. Alcohol consumption can lead to high levels of estrogen, which can affect the risk of developing breast cancer.
Alcohol is often calorie-dense, which can lead to weight gain in some people. Excessive weight gain is known to increase the risk of many types of cancer.
There are many additional health effects from drinking alcohol. The short-term effects include mood swings, lack of focus, impaired judgment, and can affect physical activity and mobility.
Addiction is one of the most serious long-term effects of drinking alcohol. Those who drink large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis can go through serious physical withdrawal symptoms if they quit drinking. The health effects can lead to tremors, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and other problems.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is known to possibly cause birth defects or other problems with the fetus.
At this time, there is no active litigation, though we are investigating the potential for lawsuits against major alcohol companies for failing to warn consumers about the risk of cancer related to alcohol consumption.
Research has established a clear connection between alcohol use and cancer, yet many consumers remain unaware of the link. Surveys have shown that only about 45% of Americans are aware of the link to cancer.
In 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a warning emphasizing the link between alcohol use and cancer. Studies have shown that regular to heavy alcohol drinkers have an increased risk of developing cancer. Even those who drink moderately have a heightened risk of cancer.
The Surgeon General’s warning highlighted that alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer.
While U.S. alcoholic beverage labels do contain warnings about impaired driving and consumption during pregnancy, the labels do not explicitly address cancer risks.
Research has shown again and again that alcohol use can lead to increased risk of cancer. Despite the alarming trends and figures, consumers have not been given adequate warnings.
Potential litigation against major alcohol manufacturers would address the lack of proper labeling and failure to disclose the nature of the harmful chemicals produced when alcohol is metabolized.
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