STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A new report from the New York City Health Department has uncovered concerning connections between alcohol consumption and cancer risks across the city’s diverse communities.
The study reveals that from 2017 to 2021, New York City averaged 3,400 new colorectal cancer cases, 1,000 liver cancer cases, and more than 6,600 female breast cancer cases annually.
The report identifies alcohol as a significant risk factor for seven types of cancer: mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, colorectal, and female breast. Despite this connection, only about half of U.S. adults recognize alcohol’s role in increasing cancer risk.
A city Health Department report shows only two-thirds of heavy-drinking women receive recommended breast cancer screenings as city launches new awareness campaign.Victoria Priola/ For the Staten Island Advance/ SILive.com
“Alcohol use is common among adults, but its connection to certain cancers is not widely known,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse.
She emphasized that Black women face higher death rates from breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group, highlighting disparities in healthcare access.
The study found significant variations in drinking patterns across demographic groups. In 2023, half of adult New Yorkers reported drinking alcohol in the previous 30 days, with 7% classified as heavy drinkers. White adults showed higher rates of alcohol consumption (65%) compared to Black, Latino, and Asian and Pacific Islander adults (45%, 45%, and 35%, respectively).
Neighborhood characteristics also play a role, with areas having the highest density of liquor stores showing triple the rate of heavy drinking (12%) compared to areas with fewer stores (4%).
Cancer screening rates among heavy drinkers revealed concerning gaps. Only two-thirds of female heavy drinkers aged 40 to 74 were current with breast cancer screenings, while about three-quarters of heavy drinkers aged 45 to75 were up-to-date with colon cancer screenings.
Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the city’s commitment to addressing these issues through the HealthyNYC initiative, which aims to reduce deaths from screenable cancers by 20% by 2030.
“While we are making important strides, this report from the Health Department is a clear reminder that our work to build a healthier city for all New Yorkers is far from over,” Adams said.
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