No Safe Sip: New Review Links Any Alcohol to Cancer Risk and More
A UW-led review of 843 studies (1963–2023) across 20 health outcomes finds no universal safe level of drinking: even less than one daily drink is linked to higher risk for multiple cancers, while high consumption raises risks for all 20 outcomes studied (including liver disease, diabetes, and infections). Some low-to-moderate drinking links to certain cardiometabolic and neurological outcomes appear, but evidence is weak and often reverses at higher intake. Limitations include self-reported alcohol use and study heterogeneity. The researchers urge clearer, population-specific public health guidance and more honest messaging about alcohol risks.