Ask the Expert: Alcohol use and cancer
A survey by NC Solutions shows nearly forty-nine percent of Americans are trying to drink less alcohol in 2025.
As part of our 'Ask the Expert' series, in partnership with Bon Secours St. Francis, 7NEWS spoke with a doctor who says trading a cocktail for a mocktail can lower your risk of cancer.
Sixty-two percent of American adults say they drink alcohol, according to the Pew Research Center, but every sip can pose a risk to your health, according to health experts.
'There is a relationship between many common types of cancer and alcohol use,' said Dr. Stephen Dyar.
As a growing number of Americans opt for a sober lifestyle, Dr. Stephen Dyar, Bon Secour's Medical Director of Oncology, says that's a good thing.
'Even light users of alcohol, who have one drink a day, may be at slightly increased risk of certain types of cancers,' said Dr. Dyar.
Consuming any type of alcohol, including beer, wine or spirits, increases your risk for cancer.
'There are several cancers for which the risk is increased for people who are alcohol users. Primarily, we think that for aerodigestive tumors, things like throat cancer or esophagus cancer, but a couple of the other ones that we do see–liver cancer is more common in alcohol users,' said Dr. Dyar.
For women, there's another cancer risk that goes up with alcohol use.
'There is also a slightly increased risk of breast cancer for women who are alcohol users,' said Dr. Dyar.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says over 20,000 people die from alcohol-related cancers in the United States every year.
Dr. Dyarr says it's simple–the less you drink, the lower your risk.
'If you're going to consume alcohol, doing it in moderation is the lowest, the lowest risk for developing cancer related to that. The more alcohol consumption that you participate in, unfortunately, the higher your cancer risk is going to be,' said Dr. Dyar.
If you believe you are struggling with excessive alcohol use or have questions about how to drink less, reach out to your doctor.
To submit a health topic for our 'Ask the Expert' series, click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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