Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that many people in the United States still do not realise that drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing cancer. This is notable because the scientific evidence linking alcohol to several types of cancer is well-established and has been acknowledged by major health organisations for years. Yet the study found that more than half of American adults surveyed did not recognise this connection. The research raises concerns about how health information is shared and understood, and why certain risks remain poorly acknowledged in everyday life. Suppose people are unaware that a behaviour poses a potential danger. In that case, they are unlikely to adjust it, which means the effects of misinformation or simple lack of awareness can have real consequences for public health.
The study, published in JAMA Oncology, noted that around 52.9 per cent of adults did not know that alcohol affects cancer risk. In comparison, only 37.1 per cent correctly recognised that drinking increases the likelihood of developing cancer. A tiny minority, roughly one per cent, believed that alcohol might actually decrease cancer risk. Another striking detail from the findings was that people who had recently consumed alcohol were more likely to think that it did not affect cancer risk. This suggests that personal habits may influence how individuals interpret scientific information, sometimes in ways that protect them from discomfort or guilt. When a behaviour is socially common, culturally normalised, and frequently associated with pleasure or relaxation, it can be easier for individuals to discount warnings, even when the evidence is clear.
Lead author Sanjay Shete, PhD, pointed out that beliefs are central to health decision-making. If someone does not believe that alcohol contributes to cancer, they are unlikely to feel motivated to reduce how much they drink. Shete emphasised that addressing such misunderstandings is essential to encouraging healthier choices at the population level. The argument is not merely about persuading people to stop drinking entirely, but rather ensuring they know the risks clearly enough to make informed decisions. Alcohol marketing and social culture tend to focus on enjoyment, sociability, and lifestyle, with very little attention given to long-term health consequences. This cultural framing can complicate efforts to communicate medical risks effectively, even when the science is clear and consistent.
The study also highlighted differences in awareness among demographic groups. Individuals with lower levels of educational attainment, current cigarette smokers, and those who identified as Black were less likely to know about the cancer risks associated with alcohol. Additionally, people who did not believe that cancer can be prevented were more inclined to think alcohol did not influence cancer risk. These findings underline that public health messaging must consider social context, access to information, and structural inequalities. Presenting data alone is not always sufficient to change beliefs. Messages may need to be communicated in ways that are culturally relevant, accessible, and sensitive to how different communities receive and interpret health guidance.
Alcohol is classified by the World Health Organization as a Group 1 carcinogen, placing it in the same category as substances such as tobacco, asbestos, and certain forms of radiation. This classification indicates that there is substantial and conclusive evidence that alcohol can cause cancer. Drinking has been linked to cancers of the breast, liver, colon, throat, mouth, and oesophagus, among others. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 5.5 per cent of all new cancer cases and 5.8 per cent of cancer-related deaths can be attributed to alcohol consumption. These are not small numbers, and they illustrate why awareness matters. If more people understood that routine drinking has a measurable impact on cancer risk, it could influence how often and how much they choose to drink. This is especially relevant given recent shifts in guidelines that now encourage lower levels of alcohol consumption for health protection.
The researchers based their conclusions on responses from nearly 7,000 adults who took part in the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey. Participants were asked a direct question: how they believed drinking alcohol affects cancer risk. They could answer that it increases risk, decreases risk, has no effect, or that they did not know. The varied responses reflected not only a lack of information but also the influence of personal experience, social environment, and cultural messaging. In short, the study reveals a significant divide between scientific knowledge and public understanding. Bridging this divide will require clear communication, better education, and more consistent public health messaging. By increasing awareness and correcting misunderstandings, it may be possible to reduce preventable cancer cases and encourage healthier approaches to alcohol consumption across society.
More information: Joël Fokom Domgue et al, Beliefs About the Effect of Alcohol Use on Cancer Risk in the US Adult Population, JAMA Oncology. DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.4472
Journal information: JAMA Oncology Provided by University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
