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New research from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and partners finds that alcohol consumption is associated with increased health risks even at levels often considered moderate, with no overall protective effect observed at low levels of drinking.

A new IHME analysis published in Nature Health confirms increased cancer risk from alcohol, including at levels below one standard drink per day.

A new Ohio State study is testing whether plain-language countermarketing messages can improve young women’s awareness of the link between alcohol and breast cancer risk.

A new Australian study published in the British Journal of Cancer estimates that alcohol consumption caused 7,804 cancer cases in Australia in 2024, equal to 4.6 percent of all cancers. The study found that alcohol-related cancer risk increased by 19 percent for every additional 10 drinks consumed per week.

A new study published in the European Journal of Public Health found that people who know alcohol can cause cancer are more likely to support stronger alcohol policies, especially measures on pricing, availability and point of sale regulation. The research covered 3,620 respondents in Bulgaria, Ireland, Latvia, Slovakia and Spain, and points to public awareness as an important factor in building support for more effective alcohol control.

The European Parliament adopted its World Cancer Day resolution on 12 February 2026, but rejected amendments that would have strengthened the wording on alcohol and cancer. A proposal to state that “no level of alcohol consumption is safe” was voted down, with the final text retaining a more cautious reference to WHO and IARC awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer. The vote revealed internal divisions across several political groups.

Heavy lifetime alcohol use significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer, especially rectal cancer, according to a major U.S. screening trial. Consistent heavy drinking across adulthood was linked to a 91% higher risk, while former drinkers showed no elevated risk—suggesting that quitting alcohol may help reduce long-term cancer risk.

A new Dutch analysis suggests that reducing alcohol consumption by just two glasses per week from 2032 could prevent 11,529 cancer diagnoses by 2050. The estimate highlights the strong link between alcohol and at least seven cancer types, and strengthens the case for effective alcohol prevention policies.

Alcohol consumption leads to the formation of a toxic compound called acetaldehyde, which damages DNA. A research team from IOCB Prague has now described in detail how cells repair this damaged genetic information. Their study provides new insight into the link between alcohol consumption and the development of cancer.

Up to four in ten cancer cases in Europe could be prevented, according to the newly updated European Code Against Cancer (ECAC). The 2025 version strengthens several recommendations, including a clear new message to avoid alcohol completely, as any amount increases the risk of cancer.

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.

From a glass of wine with dinner to a beer at a ballgame, alcohol is common in many social settings. Yet most Americans are unaware it raises cancer risk. “No amount of alcohol is risk-free,” says Dr. Suneel Kamath, noting links to at least seven types of cancer. Cutting back helps, but not drinking at all is best. Alcohol, along with smoking and obesity, is a major preventable cause of cancer worldwide.

Four in ten people would reduce their alcohol consumption if they knew that even low amounts of alcohol increase the risk of developing cancer.

Ethanol under EU review: disinfectant risks assessed, while its cancer-causing role in alcohol remains widely accepted.

Parental alcohol use increases offspring risk of liver cancer through mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic inflammation, new study finds.

New WHO/Europe report calls for mandatory cancer warning labels on alcohol to raise awareness and help reduce alcohol-related harm in Europe

Alcohol is a major cancer risk in the EU; reducing consumption could prevent 1M cases by 2050, according to the 2025 cancer report.

New study confirms alcohol contributes to cancer risk, linking it to colon, breast, and liver cancers in Norway. Prevention is key.

Only 1 in 5 Danes knows even small amounts of alcohol increase cancer risk. Awareness is key to making informed choices about drinking.

Norway proposes health warnings on alcohol, highlighting cancer and heart disease risks. Actis and Av-og-til urge swift implementation.