A new study has found that enough evidence exists to conclude that alcohol consumption can cause cancer in seven different places.


A new study has found that enough evidence exists to conclude that alcohol consumption can cause cancer in seven different places.

A press release issued by New Zealand’s University of Otago lists these affected areas as the oropharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum and female breast. 

For the research, the paper’s author Jennie Connor performed a meta-analysis of existing studies conducted by large organizations, such as the World Cancer Research Fund, over the past decade. 

As the school’s release states, she found that “alcohol caused approximately half a million deaths from cancer in 2012, [or] 5.8 per cent of cancer deaths worldwide.” 

And while the heaviest drinkers faced the highest risks, even those with lower consumption levels were susceptible.

Because of this wide-ranging effect, Connor has recommended that efforts to reduce drinking be geared toward everyone. 

The research also found that those who smoke and drink are more likely to develop cancer.