Over recent years, there has been a significant rise in public understanding of how alcohol use increases cancer risk. Many now realise that even moderate drinking can harm their health and may lead to severe illnesses, including various types of cancer. According to a January 2025 survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, 56% of US adults now acknowledge the link between regular alcohol consumption and cancer. This signals noteworthy progress compared to just 40% in September 2024.

This growing awareness reflects the impact of evidence-based communication, such as the advisory issued by former US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy at the beginning of 2025. His advisory called for updated alcohol warning labels to educate consumers on the risks of alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen contributing to cancers like breast, colon, and liver cancer.

However, while raising awareness marks a positive step, we must do much more to ensure clarity and expand public understanding.

Public Awareness of Alcohol Use and Cancer Risk in the US

The data points to an ongoing shift in attitudes. A majority – 56% of surveyed adults – now associate regular alcohol use with cancer risks. This marked increase from 40% in the previous year coincided with heightened media attention surrounding the Surgeon General’s advisory.

Dr Murthy’s message was unambiguous and impactful. He categorically stated that alcohol is a major cancer risk factor, prompting increased efforts to include detailed warning labels on alcoholic beverages. Despite such efforts, challenges remain in addressing misinformation and the influence of the alcohol industry.

Behavioural Changes Reflect Awareness but Highlight Gaps

Clear communication from public health officials often leads to behavioural shifts, and the survey data illustrates this. Nearly one in three participants (29%) who encountered reports on alcohol and health reported they’d be less likely to consume alcohol at social events.

However, the growing awareness hasn’t reached everyone equally. A significant portion of participants (61%) indicated that recent advisories and media reports did not influence their drinking habits. More concerning, 9% of respondents said they were more likely to increase their alcohol consumption after being exposed to such information. Although this percentage is low, it raises questions about how the messaging is perceived by certain audiences.

This mixed response demonstrates the need for continued public education while aiming for a more comprehensive outreach strategy.

Limited Understanding of Broader Scientific Findings

While the Surgeon General’s advisory gained traction, broader scientific evidence regarding the harms of alcohol remains under-recognised. Reports from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provided detailed links between moderate alcohol use and diseases such as liver disease and breast cancer.

However, awareness of these findings was notably low. The Annenberg survey revealed that 44% of respondents who had seen health reports about alcohol were unsure which specific report they encountered. Only 46% identified the Surgeon General’s advisory, while the rest failed to connect the information to official or credible sources.

One pressing issue is that many people are still uncertain about the concept of “moderate” alcohol use. The survey results suggest that, of those who had come across one health report, 47% believed low-dose alcohol use is harmful, 25% thought it has both harmful and positive effects, and 20% were unsure.

This lack of clarity underscores the urgent need for messaging that clearly explains the dangers of alcohol across all levels of consumption, dispelling myths perpetuated, in part, by the alcohol industry’s tactics.

Greater Awareness and Healthier Choices

The increase in awareness regarding the cancer risks of alcohol consumption demonstrates the potential of well-timed, evidence-based public communication. However, it also reveals the gaps that still need to be bridged.

Moving forward, effective alcohol-awareness campaigns must ensure that messages reach diverse segments of the population. This includes using both traditional and digital media to counter misinformation and encourage science-backed perspectives on alcohol’s risks. Learn more