Proportion of Cancer Cases and Deaths Attributable To Alcohol Consumption by Us State, 2013-2016
Abstract
Background
Alcohol consumption is an established risk factor for several cancer types, but there are no contemporary published estimates of the state-level burden of cancer attributed to alcoholic beverage consumption. Such estimates are needed to inform public policy and cancer control efforts. This study estimated the proportion and number of incident cancer cases and cancer deaths attributable to alcohol consumption by sex in adults aged ≥30 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2013–2016.
Methods
Age-, sex-, and state-specific cancer incidence and mortality data (2013–2016) were obtained from the US Cancer Statistics database. State-level, self-reported age and sex stratified alcohol consumption prevalence was estimated using the 2003–2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys and adjusted with state sales data.
Results
The proportion of alcohol-attributable incident cancer cases ranged from 2.9 % (95 % confidence interval: 2.7 %–3.1 %) in Utah to 6.7 % (6.4 %–7.0 %) in Delaware among men and women combined, from 2.7 % (2.5 %–3.0 %) in Utah to 6.3 % (5.9 %–6.7 %) in Hawaii among men, and from 2.7 % (2.4 %–3.0 %) in Utah to 7.7 % (7.2 %–8.3 %) in Delaware among women. The proportion of alcohol-attributable cancer deaths also varied considerably across states: from 1.9 % to 4.5 % among men and women combined, from 2.1% to 5.0% among men, and from 1.4 % to 4.4 % among women. Nationally, alcohol consumption accounted for 75,199 cancer cases and 18,947 cancer deaths annually.
Conclusion
Alcohol consumption accounts for a considerable proportion of cancer incidence and mortality in all states. Implementing state-level policies and cancer control efforts to reduce alcohol consumption could reduce this cancer burden.
Research in context
The American Cancer Society’s guideline for Diet and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention states that it is best not to consume alcohol. If consuming US guidelines suggest not more than one alcoholic beverage a day for women and not more than two alcoholic beverages a day for men.
The study highlights the importance of state-level cancer prevention and control efforts in addressing alcohol consumption. Further there is a need for healthcare providers and public health practitioners to further educate the public on alcohol’s cancer risk.
This information is important for prioritizing state-level cancer prevention and control efforts to reduce alcohol consumption and the burden of alcohol-related cancers,” said Dr. Farhad Islami, co-author of the study, as per, Medical Xpress.
Dr. Farhad Islami, co-author of the study
