The New York City Health Department on Wednesday released a new report showing a troubling link between alcohol use and cancer among adults in the city. From 2017 to 2021, the city recorded an average of 3,400 new colorectal cancer cases, 1,000 new liver cancer cases and more than 6,600 new female breast cancer cases each year.
Alcohol is directly tied to at least seven cancers, including mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectal and female breast. Yet nationally, only about half of adults are aware that drinking increases cancer risk.
Cancer and alcohol disparities
The report found that cancer cases tied to alcohol use varied significantly by race, sex and ethnicity.
- Colorectal cancer rates were higher among men than women and especially elevated among Black and white men compared with Latino and Asian and Pacific Islander men. Black and white women also showed higher rates than Latina and Asian Pacific Islander women.
- Liver cancer rates were three times higher in men than women, with the highest rates among API and Latino men. API and Latina women also had higher rates than their Black and white counterparts.
- Breast cancer rates were highest among white women, though Black women faced the highest death rates from the disease.
Liquor store density and heavy drinking
The report highlighted a strong connection between liquor store density and excessive alcohol use. Neighborhoods with the most alcohol retailers had a heavy drinking prevalence of 12%, three times higher than neighborhoods with the fewest liquor stores.
Alcohol consumption was also more common among men, white adults and those living in higher-income households.
Heavy drinking was more than twice as common among white adults as among Black, Latino or API adults. White and Black women had higher rates of heavy drinking than men in their same racial groups.
Screening and early detection gaps
While early detection greatly improves cancer outcomes, only two-thirds of women who drank heavily were up to date with breast cancer screenings.
Colon cancer screenings were somewhat higher, with about three-quarters of heavy drinkers ages 45 to 75 screened, though rates were lowest among API adults.
The city’s HealthyNYC initiative aims to reduce deaths from screenable cancers by 20% by 2030, with an emphasis on tackling key risk factors like alcohol use, expanding screenings and improving access to quality care.
“Alcohol use is common among adults, but its connection to certain cancers is not widely known,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse.
The Health Department stressed the need for stronger community partnerships, healthcare practices, and policies to reduce alcohol-related harms. Among the recommendations:
- Community groups should engage residents in conversations about alcohol and cancer risk, using respectful, person-first language.
- Healthcare providers are urged to screen for alcohol use at every visit, offer harm reduction strategies and connect patients to cancer screenings.
- Policymakers and funders should invest in education campaigns, as well as projects that limit alcohol promotion and access in communities most affected.
