NCI-designated Cancer Centers’ Policies and Practices Regarding Alcohol and Cancer: A Call to Lead

Background: Alcohol, a known carcinogen since 1988, increases risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast, and colorectum. Over one-half of U.S. adults consume alcohol while about two-thirds are unsure if or unaware that alcohol intake is linked to cancer risk. Methods: Our objective was to survey awareness, beliefs, intentions, policies, practices, and goals/perceived responsibilities related to establishing/promoting actions to reduce alcohol-related cancer risks from leaders of 72 National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Centers. Results: Sixty-one percent responded. Forty-three percent either believed in or were uncertain about alcohol’s purported health benefits. Nevertheless, 86% considered it part of their job to warn the public about alcohol’s carcinogenic effects. Fifty-two percent had at least one alcohol-related policy in place; among that subset, 83% had a policy related to alcohol service during on-site events; 87% had one about reimbursement of that alcohol service. Of concern, only 45% of survey respondents agreed that current literature regarding alcohol-related cancer-risk factors was sufficient to warrant a reconsideration of their alcohol-related policies/practices, and fewer than half have acted on those data. Conclusions: NCI-designated Cancer Centers can implement policies and change practices now to reduce alcohol intake and the cancer deaths associated with its consumption. Impact: Cancer centers’ leadership in alcohol practices and policies may energize the public to be more thoughtful about their use of alcohol, resulting in long-term reductions in associated cancer risks.