---
title: "Alcohol-linked cancer deaths in US more than doubled"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/health/alcohol-linked-cancer-deaths-in-us-more-than-doubled"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/alcohol-linked-cancer-deaths-in-us-more-than-doubled"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/health/alcohol-linked-cancer-deaths-in-us-more-than-doubled.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/alcohol-linked-cancer-deaths-in-us-more-than-doubled"
category: "Health"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-09-05T20:45:44.476Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-05T10:36:57.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-05T20:45:44.476Z"
trust_score: 50
critic_score: 67
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-05T22:00:08.581599+00:00"
---

# Alcohol-linked cancer deaths in US more than doubled

*Study finds rise in deaths from numerous cancers attributed to alcohol consumption between 1990 and 2023.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 50 of 100, higher is better. Central claims attributed to named researchers and institutions, but relies on anonymous sourcing for some details.
- Craft 67 of 100, higher is better. Reports include explanations of how alcohol causes cancer and details on differing effects by age and sex.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines and digests emphasize the 'one drink a day' aspect, creating a sense of urgency.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the U.S. rose from 11,361 in 1990 to 23,126 in 2023, according to a study analyzing data from 1990 to 2023.
- The increased risk of death from cancer due to alcohol applies to breast, prostate, colon, rectum, stomach, pancreatic, liver, head, and neck cancers.
- For adults aged 20-54, colorectal cancer was the leading cause of alcohol-attributable cancer mortality in men and the second leading cause in women.
- In women, alcohol-related breast cancer was the leading cause of alcohol-attributable cancer mortality.

Alcohol played a role in more than double the number of cancer deaths in the United States in 2023 compared to 1990, a study found. Researchers analyzed U.S. data from 1990 to 2023 for the Global Burden of Disease Study. The total number of yearly alcohol-linked cancer deaths increased from 11,361 in 1990 to 23,126 in 2023.

The study identified an increased risk of death from alcohol for breast, prostate, colon, rectum, stomach, pancreatic, liver, head, and neck cancers. For men aged 20-54, colorectal cancer was the leading cause of cancer death attributable to alcohol, and the second leading cause for women in the same age group. Among women, alcohol-related breast cancer was the leading cause of alcohol-attributable cancer mortality.

## Disagreement on 'no safe level'

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States stated that the claim 'there is no safe level' of alcohol consumption is not supported by this study. KIFI, which published the full report, also included a statement from the Council's senior vice president of science and research, Amanda Berger, saying the claim misrepresents the body of scientific evidence and the complex relationship between alcohol and health.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated, centre-rated, or right-rated digests mention the specific finding that for adults aged 20-54, colorectal cancer was the leading cause of alcohol-attributable cancer mortality in men and the second leading cause in women. The full report from KIFI did include this detail.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 52 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 12% (6)
- Centre: 84% (44)
- Right: 4% (2)

15 of 67 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-05T22:00:08.581599+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 8 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-05T22:45:06.978Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Six left-rated reports led on the finding that alcohol-attributable cancer deaths have doubled since 1990. These reports highlighted that even one standard drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers. Several mentioned that alcohol's role in cancer deaths has increased over the past three decades. Some noted that it is not just the liver being impacted by alcohol consumption. One report stated that experts stress there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.

### Centre

- Eleven centre-rated reports led on the finding that alcohol may play a greater role in death from numerous types of cancers than previously known. These reports frequently stated that just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers. The digests from these outlets also noted that alcohol-attributable cancer deaths more than doubled from 1990 to 2023. The full report from KIFI detailed the specific cancers affected and quoted the study's lead author, Dr. Chinmay Jani, on the proportional rise in alcohol-attributable cancer deaths.

### Right

- Two right-rated reports led on how much alcohol it takes to increase the risk of dying from nine types of cancer. The digests stated that even relatively small amounts of alcohol may increase the risk of dying from nine types of cancer. One report noted that more than 23,000 U.S. cancer deaths in 2023 were attributed to alcohol consumption, more than double the roughly 11,000 estimated in 1990.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 5
- high: 23
- unknown: 16
- veryHigh: 23

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [WXOW](https://wxow.com/news/health/just-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers/article_6e20e326-d0a1-56be-af76-e7fe92ca7efc.html) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [finchannel.com](https://finchannel.com/alcohol-and-cancer-why-even-one-drink-a-day-can-raise-risk-especially-for-breast-cancer/134418/health-beauty/2026/09) — Alcohol and Cancer Risk: One Drink a Day, Breast Cancer and What the Latest Science Shows
- [asiae.co.kr](https://asiae.co.kr/article/2026090515153522535) — The Betrayal of 'Just One Beer After Work'... "Increases Alcohol-Related Cancer Deaths"
- [IBTimes Australia](https://ibtimes.com.au/alcohol-cancer-risk-study-1875037) — Just One Drink A Day Doubles Alcohol's Share Of Cancer Deaths Over 33 Years, Study Finds Doctors Say
- [New York Post](https://nypost.com/2026/09/04/health/the-amount-of-alcohol-that-raises-cancer-death-risk) — How much alcohol it takes to increase your risk of dying of 9 cancers: study
- [WISH-TV](https://wishtv.com/news/national/study-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers) — Study: One drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [24 heures](https://24heures.ca/2026/09/04/un-verre-dalcool-par-jour-suffit-a-augmenter-le-risque-de-cancer) — One Glass of Alcohol a Day Is Enough to Increase the Risk of Cancer
- [TVA Nouvelles](https://tvanouvelles.ca/2026/09/04/un-verre-dalcool-par-jour-suffit-a-augmenter-le-risque-de-cancer) — One Glass of Alcohol a Day Is Enough to Increase the Risk of Cancer
- [WRTV](https://wrtv.com/news/national/study-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers) — Study: One drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [USA Today](https://usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2026/09/04/alcohol-related-cancer-deaths-doubled-liver-study/91607446007) — Alcohol-related cancer deaths have doubled, and 1 drink could increase risk
- [[your]NEWS](https://yournews.com/2026/09/04/7186353/study-finds-u-s-cancer-deaths-attributed-to-alcohol-more-than) — Study Finds U.S. Cancer Deaths Attributed to Alcohol More Than Doubled Since 1990
- [Iatropedia](https://iatropedia.gr/ygeia/alkool-esto-kai-ena-poto-tin-imera-afksanei-ton-kindyno-thanatou-apo-karkino/229137) — Alcohol: Even One Drink a Day Increases the Risk of Dying From Cancer
- [Qué!](https://que.es/2026/09/04/alcohol-cancer-hombres-mortalidad-duplicada) — Alcohol and Cancer in Men: Mortality Has Doubled and Is Already the First Oncological Cause in Young Men
- [News Wire](https://newswire.lk/2026/09/04/alcohol-linked-cancer-deaths-have-doubled-study-reveals) — Alcohol-linked cancer deaths have doubled, study reveals
- [Internewscast](https://internewscast.com/news/alcohol-linked-cancer-deaths-double-new-study-warns) — Alcohol-Linked Cancer Deaths Double, New Study Warns
- [TV 2](https://tv2.no/nyheter/ett-glass-om-dagen-kan-oke-risikoen-for-a-do-av-flere-typer-kreft/19192496) — One Glass a Day May Increase the Risk of Dying From Several Types of Cancer
- [NewsBomb](https://newsbomb.gr/ygeia/story/1760865/akomi-kai-ena-poto-tin-imera-borei-na-afksisei-ton-kindyno-thanatou-apo-diaforous-typous-karkinou) — Even One Drink a Day Can Increase the Risk of Death From Various Types of Cancer
- [La Opinion](https://laopinion.com/2026/09/03/tan-solo-una-bebida-alcoholica-al-dia-puede-elevar-el-riesgo-de-morir-por-cancer-asevera-estudio) — Only One Alcoholic Drink a Day Can Increase the Risk of Dying From Cancer, Says Study
- [StartItUp.sk](https://startitup.sk/riziko-prinasa-aj-jediny-drink-denne-dlhorocny-vyskum-odhalil-prudky-narast-umrti-na-rakovinu) — Even One Drink a Day Carries Risk: Long-Term Research Reveals Sharp Increase in Cancer Deaths
- [www.rynekzdrowia.pl](https://rynekzdrowia.pl/Badania-i-rozwoj/Rosnie-liczba-zgonow-na-nowotwory-zwiazane-z-alkoholem-1-grupa-czynnikow-rakotworczych,288540,11.html) — Alcohol-Related Cancer Deaths Are on the Rise. Group 1 Carcinogens
- [dailymail.com](https://dailymail.com/health/article-16102459/alcohol-cancer-deaths-study.html) — Alcohol-linked cancer deaths have doubled, study reveals
- [op-online.de](https://op-online.de/welt/krebs-durch-alkohol-todesfaelle-in-den-usa-seit-1990-verdoppelt-zr-94474164.html) — More than Twice as Many Cancer Deaths From Alcohol: Study Shows Which Types of Cancer Are Affected
- [Boing Boing](https://boingboing.net/2026/09/03/study-finds-alcohol-linked-cancer-deaths-have-doubled-since-1990.html) — Study finds alcohol-linked cancer deaths have doubled since 1990
- [naszdziennik.pl](http://naszdziennik.pl/swiat/344847,usa-podwoila-sie-liczba-zgonow-na-nowotwory-zwiazane-z-alkoholem.html) — USA: Alcohol-Related Cancer Deaths Double
- [KCRA 3](https://kcra.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WCVB](https://wcvb.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WLWT](https://wlwt.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WMUR](https://wmur.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WLKY](https://wlky.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [Koco News5](https://koco.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WESH](https://wesh.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WYFF](https://wyff4.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WDSU](https://wdsu.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WTAE](https://wtae.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [KCCI](https://kcci.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WISN](https://wisn.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [KETV](https://ketv.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [KMBC](https://kmbc.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WPTZ](https://mynbc5.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WBAL-TV](https://wbaltv.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WMTW](https://wmtw.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WVTM](https://wvtm13.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [KOAT](https://koat.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WAPT](https://wapt.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WPBF](https://wpbf.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WGAL](https://wgal.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [WXII](https://wxii12.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [KSBW](https://ksbw.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [KHBS](https://4029tv.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [MOR-TV](https://mor-tv.com/article/alcohol-cancers-study/73604323) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers, study says
- [CNN Brasil](https://cnnbrasil.com.br/curiosidades/uma-dose-de-alcool-todos-os-dias-ja-e-suficiente-para-aumentar-as-chances-de-desenvolver-diversos-tipos-de-cancer-aponta-estudo) — One Dose of Alcohol Every Day Is Enough to Increase the Chances of Various Types of Cancer, Says Study
- [Local 3 News](https://local3news.com/regional-national/en-espanol/con-tan-solo-una-bebida-alcoh-lica-al-d-a-se-puede-aumentar-el-riesgo/article_fb5cc0d6-7f88-5513-8850-71d57a7d999e.html) — Just One Alcoholic Drink a Day Can Increase the Risk of Dying From Numerous Types of Cancer.
- [CNN](https://cnn.com/2026/09/03/health/alcohol-impact-cancer-deaths-wellness) — A single drink a day may raise risk of dying from cancer
- [KIFI](https://localnews8.com/health/cnn-health/2026/09/03/just-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [KRDO](https://krdo.com/news/2026/09/03/just-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [KVIA](https://kvia.com/health/cnn-health/2026/09/03/just-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [KEYT](https://keyt.com/health/cnn-health/2026/09/03/just-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [KMIZ](https://abc17news.com/cnn-health/2026/09/03/just-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [KESQ](https://kesq.com/health/cnn-health/2026/09/03/just-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [kimt.com](https://kimt.com/news/just-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers/article_bfaa74ef-f2ad-5eff-8a11-8bd0f69b12b8.html) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [KDRV](https://kdrv.com/news/social/just-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers/article_83299dc1-375f-56db-842a-98f42a46ff74.html) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [kioncentralcoast.com](https://kioncentralcoast.com/health/cnn-health/2026/09/03/just-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [Action News Now](https://actionnewsnow.com/news/just-one-drink-a-day-may-increase-the-risk-of-dying-from-numerous-cancers/article_7ce22b69-4db7-53ef-b9f6-cbed863ea62b.html) — Just one drink a day may increase the risk of dying from numerous cancers
- [BAKU.WS: Xəbəriniz olsun](https://baku.ws/diger/alkoqolun-xercenge-sebeb-olmasi-ile-bagli-yeni-arasdirma) — NEW RESEARCH ON ALCOHOL CAUSES CANCER
- [News Medical](https://news-medical.net/news/20260902/Alcohol-linked-cancer-deaths-doubled-over-three-decades-in-America.aspx) — Alcohol-linked cancer deaths doubled over three decades in America
- [Medical Xpress](https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-alcohol-linked-cancer-toll-liver.html) — Alcohol-linked cancer's toll extends far beyond the liver, with deaths rising across age groups
- [University of Miami](https://news.med.miami.edu/alcohol-related-cancer-deaths-double-us-study) — U.S. Cancer Deaths Linked to Alcohol Have Doubled Since 1990, Study Finds

## Questions

**How many cancer deaths are attributed to alcohol in the US?**

In 2023, 23,126 cancer deaths in the U.S. were attributed to alcohol consumption. This is more than double the approximately 11,361 deaths estimated in 1990, according to a study analyzing data from 1990 to 2023.

**Which cancers are linked to alcohol consumption?**

The increased risk of death from cancer due to alcohol applies to breast, prostate, colon, rectum, stomach, pancreatic, liver, head, and neck cancers. For younger adults, colorectal cancer is a leading cause of alcohol-attributable cancer mortality in men and second in women.

**Does the study say there is no safe level of alcohol consumption?**

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States stated that the claim 'there is no safe level' of alcohol consumption is not supported by this study. They argue this claim misrepresents the scientific evidence and the complex relationship between alcohol and health.

---

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