Carcinogens—substances that increase cancer risk—are often obvious. Some with the most research backing their dangers are tobacco, radiation, and asbestos. Also in that category? Alcohol. That, to a lot of people, comes as a surprise. According to a 2025 report by the U.S. Surgeon General’s office, citing a 2019 study , less than half of Americans recognize alcohol as a carcinogen—compared to 91% for radiation and 89% for tobacco. A more recent 2025 study from JAMA Oncology found that nearly 53%