Despite decades of research linking alcohol to cancer, most of us still don't know that pouring a glass of wine or beer may raise our risk. In fact, according to a new study from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, more than half of U.S. adults don't realize drinking alcohol can increase their chances of developing cancer.
The results are based on the responses of nearly 7,000 adults across the country that showed that only about a third of respondents — over 37 percent — understood that alcohol use heightens cancer risk. One percent of respondents believed that drinking decreases one's chances of developing the disease.
“It's concerning that people who drink alcohol are the ones most likely to believe it has no effect on cancer risk,” the study's lead author, Sanjay Shete, a professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology and Betty B. Marcus Chair of Cancer Prevention at MD Anderson Cancer Center, said in a press release.If people don't think drinking affects their health, they're less likely to reduce their intake or follow national guidelines.
The analysis drew on data from the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey which included a nationally representative sample of nearly 7,000 adults 18 and older with an average age of 48. More than half of the participants said they had consumed alcohol within the past month and nearly one in ten reported a personal history of cancer.
The participants were asked: “In your opinion, how does drinking alcohol affect the risk of getting cancer?” The possible answers were: “decreases risk,” “has no effect,” “increases risk,” or “don't know.”
Results showed significant knowledge gaps. Those who smoked cigarettes or had lower education levels (below a high school or college degree) were more likely not to know that alcohol raises cancer risk. People who believed cancer isn't preventable or fatal were also less likely to recognize the danger.
The truth is that alcohol is far from harmless. According to the World Health Organization, it's classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same category as tobacco, asbestos and radiation. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that drinking alcohol contributes to at least seven types of cancer, including cancers of the breast, mouth, throat, liver, colon and esophagus. Overall, alcohol use accounts for about 5.5 percent of all new cancer diagnoses.
Beliefs play a key role in our behavior: If people don't think drinking affects their health, they're less likely to reduce their intake or follow national guidelines. The study authors note that “correcting these misbeliefs” could strengthen compliance with alcohol recommendations — especially those recently reinforced by the U.S. Surgeon General's 2025 advisory on lowering cancer risk through limited alcohol use.
Addressing these misconception experts say, is not just about health education but about saving lives. Alcohol-related cancers are preventable and awareness is the first step toward prevention. As Shete explains, understanding risk can empower people to make better decisions. “We need to work on connecting these misperceptions,” he emphasized, “which could be essential to reducing the growing burden of alcohol-related cancers.”The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same category as tobacco, asbestos and radiation.
Interested in cutting down on how much alcohol you drink? The CDC offers these tips on how to set limits:
- Know how much alcohol you drink now and whether it is considered excessive and harmful for your health.
- Decide how many days a week you plan to drink and how many drinks you plan to have. For instance, you might decide to only drink on one evening and have one drink.
- Schedule alcohol-free days every week.
The study is published in JAMA Oncology.
