HMN 2026: How Alcohol causes more cancers in Australia than previously thought

Alcohol consumption is likely to cause more cancer incidence in Australia than previously thought, according to new research from the University of Sydney. The new study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, analyzed alcohol consumption behavior among 225,000 people in the 45 & Up Study cohort in NSW—Australia’s largest ongoing study of health and aging.

Lead author, Dr. Peter Sarich from the Cancer Elimination Collaboration in the School of Public Health, said, “Our study estimates that around 4.6% of all cancers in Australia are caused by alcohol consumption, higher than previous estimates. Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of developing cancer by 19%.

“Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Australia and, while the science on the causes of cancer continues to evolve, the evidence is now clear that reducing alcohol consumption is an effective strategy for preventing cancer.”

Previous estimates of cancers caused by alcohol in Australia ranged from 2.8% to 4.1%.

By comparing different drinking levels and their associated cancer rates, the researchers were able to estimate that more than 7,800 cancers diagnosed in Australia in 2024 were caused by alcohol consumption, which equated to 4.6% of all cancers, above previous estimates.

The researchers also found that for every 10 drinks consumed per week, the relative risk of cancer increased dramatically:

• upper aerodigestive tract cancer increased by 27% (the mouth, throat, larynx and esophagus);

• colorectal cancer by 16%;

The study looked at patterns of drinking in relation to the National Health and Medical Research Council‘s (NHMRC’s) alcohol consumption guidelines, which were updated in 2020 to recommend a maximum of 10 drinks per week and no more than four drinks on any one day to reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm.

Dr. Sarich said, “If everyone in Australia followed the NHMRC alcohol guidelines and consumed no more than 10 standard drinks per week, we estimate that the number of alcohol-related cancer cases diagnosed each year would fall by more than 3,700.

“However, even low levels of consumption increase cancer risk over time, so the fewer drinks consumed, the less likely people are to be diagnosed with an alcohol-related cancer.”

Dr. Sarich said, “Studies show that only around half the population is aware that alcohol causes cancer—and far fewer are aware that common cancers such as breast cancer are strongly associated with alcohol consumption.

“This new evidence strengthens the case to promote informed choices to reduce alcohol consumption levels that will bring down cancer incidence in Australia.”

Provided by

University of Sydney