Alcohol Use Among U.S. Adults and Alcohol Control Efforts in Comprehensive Cancer Control Plans

BACKGROUND:  Alcohol is an important but frequently overlooked risk factor for cancer. Alcohol use is a risk factor for at least six cancers, and the risk increases with increasing alcohol consumption. 

METHODS:  We used the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to assess the prevalence of current alcohol use (≥1 drink in the past 30 days) and of alcohol use exceeding moderate drinking guidelines (>1 drink per day for women; >2 drinks per day for men), as defined by the 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines on alcohol consumption. We also reviewed alcohol control efforts in 69 comprehensive cancer control (CCC) plans in U.S. states, tribes, and jurisdictions.  

RESULTS:  In 2011, 56% of U.S. adults reported current alcohol use, and 67% of drinkers reported exceeding moderate drinking guidelines at least once in the past month. By state, the prevalence of current alcohol use ranged from 29% to 69% and the proportion of drinkers who exceeded moderate drinking guidelines ranged from 60% to 72%. Alcohol use was acknowledged as a cancer risk factor in 50 CCC plans (72%) and in at least one goal, objective, or strategy in 31 CCC plans (45%).

CONCLUSIONS:  Alcohol use is a prevalent cancer risk factor in the U.S., with more than half of adults reporting current alcohol use and two of three drinkers exceeding moderate drinking guidelines. Although fewer than half of CCC programs planned to address alcohol use, most acknowledged the link between alcohol use and cancer. By supporting implementation of evidence-based strategies to prevent excessive alcohol use, such as those recommended by the Community Preventive Services Task Force, the cancer control community could help reduce the risk of cancer.