Is Alcohol a Carcinogen? What Surprised Me, And What I Tell My Clients

I recently came across a fact that stopped me in my tracks:

Alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen.

That’s the same risk classification as asbestos and tobacco.

Let that sink in for a second.

I’ve spent years in the health space. I know alcohol carries risks. But I didn’t realize it had been placed in the highest category by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer. 

That's the category reserved for substances with conclusive evidence that they cause cancer in humans.

It’s not just heavy drinking, either. Even light to moderate drinking has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, especially breast, liver, and colorectal.

This realization isn't to spread fear or guilt, but to offer awareness.

Most of my clients drink.

Not excessively, but regularly.

• A glass of wine at a client dinner. 
• A celebratory toast at a business event. 
• A cocktail at the end of a long week.

They’re smart, successful, health-conscious people. And when we talk about alcohol, they often ask the same question:

“What’s the safe amount to drink?”

That’s where the conversation gets nuanced.

From a cancer risk perspective, there is no truly safe level of alcohol.

That’s not my opinion. It’s what organizations like the World Health Organization, CDC, and American Cancer Society all affirm.

Even one drink per day can nudge your risk up, particularly for hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer.

So… should you stop drinking?

Maybe. Maybe not.

Life isn’t lived in a lab. We live in communities, attend events, build relationships. And sometimes, those moments include alcohol.

If you choose to drink, my goal is to help you drink with intention instead of on autopilot.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Know your “why” before you order
• Stick to lower-risk patterns: no more than 3 drinks per week
• Use the 1:1 rule: alternate alcohol with water
• Save it for occasions that truly feel worth it
• Explore alcohol-free options (this market has exploded with great choices)

You don’t have to be perfect. But you do have to be honest with yourself and with your body.

If your relationship with alcohol is working for you, great. If not, maybe this is your nudge to rethink things.

Health is built on small, repeatable choices.

And as I always say, the first step is awareness.

This one piece of information, that alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen, changed how I see alcohol. And I felt compelled to share it with you.

Not to scare you, but to support you in making choices that align with how you want to feel today and years from now.

If you’re curious about how to navigate alcohol in a way that supports your long-term health, I’m here for that conversation.

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