Summary
Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the US, contributing to 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually, according to a new US surgeon general advisory.
Breast cancer accounts for 16.4% of annual alcohol-related cancers, with alcohol increasing the risk of at least seven types, including liver, colorectal, and throat cancers.
Most deaths occur among heavy drinkers, though 17% occur within recommended limits.
Alcohol promotes cancer through DNA damage, inflammation, and hormone changes. Despite clear links, only 45% of Americans recognize alcohol as a cancer risk.
Tolerance is a real thing and can be developed over time. However it’s not clear if that has any relation to cancer risk, which appears to be related to ability to clear the aldehyde byproduct.