Buzzkill: NYC Health Department Launches Campaign To Reduce New Yorkers’ Risk of Alcohol-Related Cancers

Buzzkill: NYC Health Department Launches Campaign To Reduce New Yorkers' Risk of Alcohol-Related Cancers

The NYC Health Department Wants New Yorkers to Know the Truth About Alcohol Consumption's Link to Cancer to Inform Their Decisions Around Drinking

Alcohol Is Directly Linked With Increased Risk for at Least Seven Types of Cancer Including Breast, Colorectum, and Throat, but Drinking Less Can Lower Risk

May 4, 2026 - Today, the NYC Health Department launched a new citywide education campaign warning New Yorkers that drinking alcohol increases cancer risk. Alcohol is a known carcinogen: consuming even one drink a day increases the risk for at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectum, esophagus, voice box, liver, mouth, and throat. While there is no safe or recommended amount of alcohol consumption, the good news is drinking less can lower the risk of cancer. Running throughout May on subways and social media, in bars and public spaces, over the radio, and in community and ethnic publications, the ad campaign directs New Yorkers to learn about alcohol-related health risks and where they can seek support if they are concerned about their drinking.

"New Yorkers deserve to know the truth about the risk of cancer when drinking alcohol. To some our data may be a buzzkill, but it's actually their buzz that can kill," said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin. "The good news is that drinking less lowers the risk of cancer, and knowing the facts means you're in control. We're putting this message on the subway, in your neighborhood, online, and over the airways because knowledge is power. We're committed to supporting New Yorkers' healthier choices every step of the way."

"New Yorkers have a right to clear, accurate information about the health risks they face, including the well-established link between alcohol and cancer," said New York City Council Member Lynn Schulman, Chair of the Committee on Health. "For too long, this connection has not been widely understood. I applaud the New York City Health Department for launching this campaign to ensure that people have access to straightforward, evidence-based information and know where to find the resources they need to make an informed decision."

"Alcohol remains the leading driver of admissions into treatment, yet it continues to be widely normalized as low-risk despite its well-documented health impacts and its growing availability," said State Senator Nathalia Fernandez. "Research shows that excessive drinking is linked to at least seven types of cancer. The impact on individuals and communities is clear, and New York currently lacks the resources to fully address this issue. That is why I am advocating for a new tax on alcohol to fund prevention, education, and recovery."

Alcohol use is a significant driver of illness, injury, and premature death in New York City. Excessive drinking can lead to immediate and long-term health risks. In addition, alcohol is a known carcinogen: consuming even one drink a day increases the risk. Alcohol consumption is linked with higher risk for at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectum, esophagus, voice box, liver, mouth, and throat, according to the most recent U.S. Surgeon General advisory.

In 2025, the NYC Health Department released a report that found from 2017 to 2021, there were an average of about 3,400 new colorectal cancer cases, 1,000 new liver cancer cases, and more than 6,600 new female breast cancer cases each year in New York City. The more someone drinks, the greater their risk of developing cancer. However, in the U.S., only about half of adults recognize that alcohol use increases cancer risk, creating a need for greater public awareness of the health risks of alcohol. In conjunction with evidence-based policies, this campaign aims to decrease alcohol-related premature deaths, promote early cancer detection, and lead to societal cost savings.

HealthyNYC, the city's campaign for increasing New Yorkers' life expectancy, includes a key aim of reducing deaths from screenable cancers (breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, and cervical) by 20% by 2030. To achieve this goal, the City and its partners are making robust efforts to address key risk factors for cancer, link New Yorkers to effective screenings, and support access to high-quality medical care.

New Yorkers can reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm by drinking less and developing mindful drinking strategies. The campaign ads provide links to support for New Yorkers who are concerned about their alcohol consumption.

If you think drinking alcohol is affecting your life negatively, talk to a friend, family member, mental health professional, or medical provider. Treatment can mean stopping drinking or learning how to manage and moderate your drinking. To find a treatment provider near you, call or text 988 or chat at NYC 988. Call, text and chat services are available in English and Spanish, and call interpretation services are available in more than 240 languages.

To learn more about the risks and get support for reducing or quitting drinking, go to nyc.gov/alcohol.

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