Alcohol Consumption and Cancer Risk

Workplace Strategies for Supporting Employees

Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, following tobacco and obesity, with a direct link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk, according to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in the new Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk. Although evidence linking alcohol consumption to cancer has been growing over the past four decades, less than half of adults in the U.S. are aware of the increased cancer risk. To better address this issue, especially in the workplace, we must first raise awareness and implement initiatives that support employees in making healthier choices, ultimately promoting long-term well-being.

To further explain the connection between alcohol consumption and cancer risk, the surgeon general reports that alcohol contributes to 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Alcohol use increases the risk for at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, esophageal, liver, mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx). Additionally, evidence shows that the risk begins to rise with as little as one or fewer drinks per day. In other words, even moderate alcohol consumption—defined as one drink or less in a day for women or two drinks or less in a day for men—can be harmful.

Although the advisory specifically warns of cancer risk, alcohol use can have other short-term and long-term health effects, according to the CDC. Short-term effects include potential injuries from motor vehicle accidents, drownings, or falls; violence, alcohol poisoning; or overdose. Long-term effects include high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, stroke, alcohol use disorder, digestive problems, a weakened immune system, mental health conditions, learning and memory problems, and relationship challenges. Some past studies have suggested moderate alcohol consumption may have positive effects on health; however, these studies could have overlooked the health benefits of not drinking at all. In these studies, people who stopped drinking due to illness were not factored in, making it appear as though moderate drinkers are healthier.

These widespread health impacts are also reflected in the workplace, where alcohol-related issues are increasingly prevalent. According to the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits: 2024 Survey Report, 8% of employers cited alcohol addiction as very prevalent among employees, 21% said it was prevalent, and 40% responded that it was somewhat prevalent.

The CDC defines excessive alcohol use as:

• Binge drinking—Consuming four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men at one time
• Heavy drinking—Drinking eight or more drinks for women or 15 or more drinks for men during one week
• Underage drinking—Any alcohol use by people under the age of 21
• Drinking during pregnancy—Any alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Someone with excessive alcohol use may be exhibiting signs of alcohol use disorder (AUD), mental health conditions, or substance use. This can negatively impact an employee and the workplace in the following ways:

• Health and safety
• Performance
• Engagement
• Communication
• Productivity
• Worker well-being
• Physical capability and daily functioning. 

In the advisory, the surgeon general calls for a series of recommendations to increase awareness and prevent alcohol-related cancers and deaths, including updating warning labels on alcoholic beverages and reassessing alcohol consumption guidelines. Public health professionals and community groups are also urged to take action by promoting awareness and education. Workplaces can support these efforts by integrating alcohol awareness and education campaigns into their wellness initiatives and fostering supportive environments that empower employees to make informed decisions. These efforts encourage long-term health and can reduce cancer risks. Additionally, employers can offer resources and benefits to help those who aspire to make positive changes in their alcohol use and overall well-being.

Here are some recommendations:

Provide education: Educating employees about the risks associated with alcohol use is one way to emphasize the importance of making informed choices regarding alcohol consumption. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends, at a minimum, providing education on the risks of alcohol use (and other substances) and how to prevent substance use problems. To support a comprehensive approach to well-being particularly, it is also recommended that other key health topics such as stress management, healthy eating, and physical activity be promoted.

Create supportive environments: Alcohol is often a regular part of workplace culture, present at social gatherings, holiday parties, celebrations, and after-work get-togethers. It is frequently made light of as a stress outlet or coping mechanism, further normalizing its use in professional settings. While some people may choose to continue to enjoy alcohol consumption, this type of language and behavior in the workplace may create challenges for others who are trying to make a change. To establish a more supportive and inclusive environment, encourage offering events and gatherings that focus on more than just drinking. Provide mocktails or other nonalcoholic beverages, host daytime events, and make the celebrations optional.

Review resources and benefits: Reviewing resources and benefits to confirm they meet all employee needs, while also ensuring they are effectively communicated, is crucial. According to the International Foundation’s survey report, 14.6% of employers offer onsite support group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous. Additionally, 35.8% of employers provide manager/supervisor training on mental health and substance use, and 33.8% offer mental health crisis training, both of which are correlated with reducing alcohol use and supporting employee well-being. In addition to training employees and leadership on how to best support those struggling with alcohol misuse, and ensuring employees understand their medical benefits, it is also important to prioritize employee assistance programs (EAPs) as a resource to further assist those wanting to make a change.

The advisory is clear—A direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer cannot be ignored. Greater alcohol consumption increases the risk of alcohol-related cancers for both men and women. The positive news is that the risk is preventable, and through education, increased awareness, support, and alternative options, individuals will be empowered to make informed decisions about their health.

Resources

Full Report: Alcohol and Cancer Risk

Press Announcement (U.S. Surgeon General Issues New Advisory on Link Between Alcohol and Cancer Risk)

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits: 2024 Survey Report

SAMHSA Drug-Free Workplace Programs

CDC Online Alcohol Tools and Apps

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR ASHTON DEMOSS // Wellness Content & Information Specialist • IFEBP

Ashton DeMoss currently serves as a Wellness Content and Information Specialist at the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, the partner organization of the Wellness Alliance. With extensive experience in the worksite wellness industry, she is passionate about promoting health and well-being in the workplace. To prioritize her personal wellness, she enjoys group exercise classes and participating in a monthly book club. 

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