Yes, alcohol consumption can increase the risk of certain cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, "Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of cancers of the mouth, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breast" [1]. The risk of developing these cancers increases with the amount of alcohol consumed and the length of time the person has been drinking [1].
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, which means that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that it causes cancer in humans [2]. The IARC report states that "the risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed" [2].
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that "alcohol consumption is an independent risk factor for the development of head and neck cancer" [3]. The study also found that "the risk of head and neck cancer increased with increasing alcohol consumption" [3].
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) states that "alcohol consumption can increase the risk of certain cancers, including head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast, and colorectal cancers" [4].
In summary, alcohol consumption can increase the risk of certain cancers, including cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breast. The risk of developing these cancers increases with the amount of alcohol consumed and the length of time the person has been drinking.
Sources:
1. National Cancer Institute. (2017, November 16). Alcohol and Cancer Risk. Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet>.
2. International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2012, June 12). IARC Monographs evaluate consumption of red meat and processed meat. Retrieved from <https://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/pr/2012/pdfs/pr221_E.pdf>.
3. Hashibe, M., Brennan, P., Chuang, S. C., Abnet, C. C., Corrao, G., Boffetta, P., ... & Zhang, Z. (2007). Interaction between tobacco and alcohol and the risk of head and neck cancer: pooled analysis in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 25(28), 4717-4724.
4. American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2017, May 31). Alcohol and Cancer Risk. Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/prevention-and-healthy-living/alcohol-and-cancer-risk>.