Americans Are Drinking Less. Why Are Alcohol-Cancer Deaths Rising?

The Trend: Americans are drinking less than ever, according to a 2026 Gallup poll. In 2025 and 2026, just 54% said they drink alcohol — the lowest figure since Gallup started surveying people’s drinking habits in 1939. More people (51%) also think drinking one or two drinks a day is bad for your health (compared to just 27% in 2001). But even as drinking has decreased, alcohol-related cancers have increased. A recent study found these deaths more than doubled from 1990 to 2023. If people are drinking less, why are more dying from alcohol-related cancers?

What People Are Saying: Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, alongside asbestos, processed meat, tobacco, and ultraviolet rays. Several types of cancers are tied to alcohol consumption. This study found deaths from liver and colorectal cancer increased in male drinkers and from breast cancer in female drinkers, compared to non-drinkers. Male adults aged 55 and older were disproportionately affected. 

What to Know: The risks were larger among heavy drinkers, but there was still an increase among light drinkers. While attitudes towards drinking have changed in recent decades, the health effects of past drinking habits are likely still showing up in older generations.This research adds to the growing body of evidence that there’s no risk-free amount of alcohol.