Risky Alcohol Consumption Is Widespread Among People with Cancer

Understanding the risks of alcohol consumption is vital for people with cancer and healthcare professionals. Alcohol may increase the risk of many cancers and adversely affect patients receiving cancer treatment. This study shows how common alcohol consumption is among people with cancer and why greater awareness matters.

Alcohol Consumption Among People with Cancer

JAMA Network Open published a study on 10 August 2023 showing that alcohol consumption, including risky drinking behaviours, is common among adults with cancer, even those currently undergoing treatment.

This analysis of more than 15 thousand adults with cancer found that about 80% currently drank alcohol. Of current drinkers, 13% consumed a moderate amount on a typical day, while nearly 40% drank hazardous amounts.

“Surprising” Figures

These figures are described as “surprising”. Particularly concerning is that patients currently receiving active cancer treatment also engage in similarly risky drinking.

Drinking and Cancer Risk

Drinking can increase the risk of several cancers, including oral (mouth) and pharyngeal (throat) cancer. In the short term, drinking can worsen postoperative outcomes, impair cognitive (brain) function during chemotherapy and increase cardiac adverse effects. In the long term, it can increase the risk of recurrence, second tumours and death.

Alcohol Consumption and Cancer Control

Current American Cancer Society guidance states that avoiding alcohol, or at least limiting it, is best. Men should limit themselves to no more than two drinks a day and women to no more than one.

Drinking Patterns Among People with Cancer in the United States

Despite these data and recommendations, alcohol consumption habits among people with cancer in the United States remain insufficiently understood.

Research Findings

Researchers identified 15,199 adults with cancer enrolled in the US National Institutes of Health (US-NIH) All of Us Research Program. Overall, 78% of the group (more than 11,800 people) currently drank alcohol. Of these, 24% consumed excessive alcohol on a typical day (6 or more drinks on a single occasion), and 38% drank hazardous amounts.

Risky Drinking Behaviours

Within this group, men, Latino people, those diagnosed with cancer before age 18 and smokers were more likely to engage in risky drinking.

Alcohol and Cancer Treatment

We know that many people continue drinking after a cancer diagnosis, but this study provides much more detailed information.

The Need to Discuss Alcohol with Patients

Given the level of drinking identified among people with cancer, discussing alcohol with patients becomes important. The findings highlight opportunities for more support and intervention addressing risky drinking in oncology.

Comment on Alcohol Consumption Among People with Cancer in Countries East of the United States

This study focuses on alcohol consumption among people with cancer in the United States. Its findings may be less directly applicable to countries farther east, particularly where cultural, social and healthcare dynamics differ. Rates may not be as high in countries such as Türkiye. Nevertheless, alcohol is widely consumed in many countries, increasing both cancer risk and the likelihood of poorer treatment outcomes in people already diagnosed with cancer.

Conclusion

Alcohol may help some patients ease feelings of isolation, fear and stress, or poorly managed pain accompanying diagnosis and treatment. It is therefore important for patients to be honest with their doctors and for doctors to ask about alcohol without judgement.

In these conversations, oncologists should explain the safety risks of alcohol during or after treatment and make clear that there is no “safe” amount of alcohol.