A recent study from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reports that most adults in the United States do not realize that alcohol use increases their risk of developing cancer. The findings also indicate that people who drink most often are the least likely to recognize this connection.
Published in JAMA Oncology, the study points to a significant gap between established scientific evidence and public understanding. Researchers suggest that improving awareness could help people make more informed decisions about alcohol consumption and potentially reduce cancer cases.
Widespread Misunderstanding
The research team examined survey responses from nearly 7,000 adults who took part in the 2024 Health Information National Trends Survey. More than half of those surveyed (52.9%) did not know that alcohol increases the risk of cancer. Only 37.1% were aware of the connection, while about 1% incorrectly believed that alcohol lowers the risk of cancer.
Lead author and professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at MD Anderson, Sanjay Shete, called the results alarming. “It’s concerning that people who drink alcohol are the ones most likely to believe it has no effect on cancer risk,” he said in a statement.
The study also found that people who regularly consumed alcohol, smoked cigarettes, or questioned whether cancer can be prevented were more likely to dismiss any connection between alcohol and cancer. Lower awareness was also linked to lower education levels and to communities that have historically received less attention from health campaigns.
The Known Science
The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same risk category as tobacco, asbestos, and radiation. Decades of research have tied alcohol use to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal forms.
Data from the National Institutes of Health estimates that alcohol use is responsible for about 5.5% of all new cancer cases and 5.8% of cancer-related deaths annually worldwide. Public acknowledgment of alcohol’s risk, however, remains much lower than recognition of risks from smoking or diet.
According to Shete and his colleagues, the gap in awareness is not due to a lack of scientific data, but a lack of information about alcohol and cancer risk being communicated to the public.
When Awareness Lags Behind Evidence
Health researchers expect that strong scientific evidence will eventually lead to changes in public behavior. However, the MD Anderson study demonstrates that the relationship between evidence and behavior is more complex. Addressing misinformation could help more people follow the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2025 advisory, which recommends limiting alcohol intake to reduce the risk of long-term diseases such as cancer.
“Beliefs play a critical role in whether they choose healthier behaviors,” Shete explained. “We need to work on correcting these misperceptions, which could be essential to reducing the growing burden of alcohol-related cancers.”
A Communication Challenge
For scientists and policymakers, the results highlight the challenge of translating risk statistics into messaging that connects with people’s daily lives. Alcohol is often associated with social and cultural practices such as celebration or relaxation, which can make health warnings less impactful.
In contrast, decades of anti-smoking campaigns have made the health risks of tobacco widely recognized. Although alcohol is classified as a similar carcinogen, it has not received the same level of public awareness campaigns.
Many people still view moderate drinking as harmless, with some even believing that it comes with health benefits. This provides an example of how the scientific evidence has advanced faster than public communication and awareness.
Changing Public Perception
The researchers note that even a modest increase in public awareness could help prevent some cancer cases. Better understanding may influence personal choices and support policies like warning labels, advertising restrictions, and other measures to inform people about alcohol-related risks.
Scientists urge public health leaders, policymakers, and media organizations to focus on clear, targeted communication that reflects the seriousness of the evidence on alcohol and cancer risk. Campaigns that frame alcohol risk in the same terms used for other carcinogens could be used to increase public awareness. Digital tools similar to calorie-tracking applications may also help people consider these risks in their daily choices.
Austin Burgess is a writer and researcher with a background in sales, marketing, and data analytics. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, along with a certification in Data Analytics. His work combines analytical training with a focus on emerging science, aerospace, and astronomical research.