As the New Year approaches, many people consider lifestyle changes like "Dry January" or cutting out alcohol altogether. If you're contemplating a shift from cocktails to mocktails, new research from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) may provide compelling reasons to embrace sobriety.

The AACR's 2024 Cancer Progress Report reveals a clear link between excessive alcohol consumption and an increased risk of developing six types of cancer: head and neck cancers, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and stomach cancers. The report highlights that, in 2019, 5.4% of cancers were attributed to alcohol use. Encouragingly, the research suggests that reducing alcohol intake could decrease the risk of these specific cancers by 8% and lower the overall cancer risk by 4%.

Jeanna Rich, an oncology registered dietitian with OSF Cancer Support Services, explains why alcohol has such a widespread impact on the body. "All alcohol contains ethanol, so one alcoholic beverage is not safer than another. Ethanol can damage or oxidize healthy cells, leading to DNA damage," Rich says. In the case of breast cancer, she notes that alcohol can increase estrogen levels, contribute to excessive calorie intake, and lead to obesity—factors that further elevate cancer risk.

For those considering a lifestyle shift, Rich points to the rising popularity of mocktails, which are increasingly featured on restaurant menus. "The sober lifestyle trend is becoming very popular. Especially with the New Year coming up, many people opt to stay sober for a month and notice the difference in how their body feels," she says. Beyond being trendy and fun, well-crafted mocktails can offer nutritional benefits. Rich highlights that some mocktail ingredients, like cranberries, teas, and mints, even have cancer-fighting properties.

For more information on nutrition during a cancer journey, visit the OSF HealthCare website.