Alcohol causes cancer; Iowa health officials warn about the risks

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - It’s been found that Iowa has one of the highest rates of new cancer cases in the country and research also shows Iowa has the fourth-highest rate of alcohol-related cancers.

Now, health officials are embarking on a campaign to reduce cancer rates by warning people of the risks of alcohol use.

How much alcohol is too much? Dr. Bill Langley explains the risks.

“Everything the drop of alcohol touches, as it goes through you is at risk.”

• Mouth
• Throat
• Larynx
• Esophagus
• Liver
• Colon

But alcohol also can increases the risk of breast cancer in women.

Every year the Iowa Cancer Report details the cancer rates across Iowa, and in 2024 it linked its high cancer rate to its high rate of binge drinking.

The CDC says most people who binge drink are not dependent on alcohol, but excessive alcohol use costs not only the drinker. Families and friends pay a high price. Every day, 488 people die from excessive alcohol use.

At The Abbey Addiction Center in Bettendorf, Dr. Francis Kane said educating people is key to getting Iowa out of the top five states for alcohol-related cancer.

He said once people know more about the risk, they have the chance to change their behavior.

“So you know you you’re putting yourself at risk, and what’s the benefit of it”? Kane said.

If you do struggle with addictions click here.