Does the Florida Atlantic University review show moderate drinking causes cancer?

Yes, the review found links between moderate alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk in certain groups.

Which cancers are linked to alcohol according to the new research?

The research links alcohol to cancers of the breast, colorectal region, liver, mouth, larynx, esophagus, and stomach.

Are some populations at higher risk from alcohol-related cancer?

Yes, higher risks are observed in African Americans, those with genetic predispositions, and individuals with obesity or diabetes.

Home / Health / Alcohol's Hidden Cancer Link: Even Small Sips Raise Risk

Alcohol's Hidden Cancer Link: Even Small Sips Raise Risk

21 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Drinking frequency, not just quantity, significantly impacts cancer risk.
Moderate and mild alcohol use linked to increased cancer in some groups.
Risk is unequal, disproportionately affecting certain racial and socioeconomic groups.

Alcohol's Hidden Cancer Link: Even Small Sips Raise Risk

New research from Florida Atlantic University's College of Medicine indicates that the frequency of alcohol consumption, as much as the quantity, is associated with increased cancer risk. The study, a comprehensive review of 62 existing studies involving millions of US adults, found that even modest and mild alcohol intake can elevate the likelihood of developing cancers such as breast, colorectal, liver, and others.

This comprehensive analysis revealed that both drinking frequency and total consumption are significant factors in cancer development. The research also identified that alcohol-related cancer risks are not uniform across populations, with African Americans, individuals with certain genetic predispositions, obesity, or diabetes experiencing particularly elevated risks, suggesting broader social and lifestyle factors exacerbate alcohol's effects.