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New global evidence confirms that alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer, and the danger rises with every drink. The 2025 Surgeon General’s advisory and new data from the European Society for Medical Oncology show that even light drinking raises risk. Experts from WHO, IARC, and WCRF agree there is no safe level of alcohol for cancer prevention, reinforcing the message this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Alcohol is strongly linked to at least seven types of cancer: mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectal, and female breast. Liquor store density is associated with heavy drinking, disproportionately affecting communities of color. Early detection through screening saves lives and improves outcomes.

Nearly half of Tasmanians are unaware or deny that alcohol increases cancer risk, according to new research commissioned by the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council Tasmania (ATDC). While most recognise alcohol’s links to mental health, pregnancy and injury risks, 45% remain uninformed about its role in cancer, prompting calls for stronger public education campaigns.

“Our model serves as an important platform for understanding how chronic inflammation related to alcohol consumption accelerates the development of pancreatic cancer,” said Siddharth Mehra, Ph.D. Chronic alcohol use damages pancreatic acinar cells, increasing inflammation and leading to precancerous lesions. Knocking out CREB halted this progression, suggesting CREB inhibitors may offer therapeutic potential.