A recent survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center shows a significant rise in public awareness about the cancer risks associated with alcohol consumption, with more than half of Americans understanding the connection.
Awareness among Americans regarding the link between alcohol consumption and an elevated risk of cancer has significantly increased, according to a new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania. The survey found that more than half of U.S. adults now recognize that regularly consuming alcohol can elevate cancer risk.
Conducted between Jan. 30 and Feb. 10, 2025, the survey included responses from over 1,700 U.S. adults. It revealed that 56% of participants believe regular alcohol consumption raises the chances of developing cancer — a substantial increase from 40% in a similar survey conducted in September 2024. Concurrently, the percentage of individuals who think alcohol has no effect on cancer risk dropped from 20% to 16%, and those uncertain about the risks decreased from 40% to 26%.
This change in public perception follows a recent advisory issued by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on Jan. 3, 2025. The advisory called for updated warning labels on alcoholic beverages to inform consumers about the increased risk of developing at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colon and liver cancer. The Surgeon General’s advisory garnered widespread media coverage, enhancing public awareness.
“Our data suggest that the Surgeon General’s synthesis of the science showing that alcohol consumption increases one’s risk of cancer got traction,” Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, said in a news release. “The Surgeon General’s impact is a reminder that what health officials communicate about science can affect behavior.”
Despite multiple reports on the topic in recent months, the survey showed that the Surgeon General’s warning was the most recognized. Nearly half of the respondents (48%) reported having seen or heard at least one report about the health impacts of alcohol, with 46% specifically mentioning the Surgeon General’s advisory.
In December 2024, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) published a report reviewing the relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and health outcomes, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and mortality.
Another report by U.S. health agencies, led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in January 2025, reiterated that even moderate drinking carries health risks.
The survey also explored the impact of these reports on social behavior. Nearly 1 in 3 respondents who were aware of the reports indicated they would be less likely to accept an alcoholic drink in social settings. However, 61% said their drinking behavior would remain unchanged.
These findings underscore the importance of effective communication by health officials. Continued public education efforts are essential to changing behaviors and reducing the incidence of alcohol-related health issues.
For more comprehensive insights, you can access the full topline and the methods report.
Source: Annenberg Public Policy Center, University of Pennsylvania