Every August, World Cancer Support Month reminds us that cancer touches nearly every family in some way. Whether you’ve faced a diagnosis yourself, cared for a loved one, or simply want to reduce your own risk, this month is an opportunity to learn, support one another, and take positive steps toward better health.

The good news is that while not every cancer can be prevented, many cases are linked to lifestyle factors that we can influence. Two of the biggest are tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Understanding how these habits affect our bodies isn’t about creating fear or guilt—it’s about empowering people with knowledge that can help them make informed decisions.

Tobacco and Cancer: A Well-Established Connection

For decades, scientists have known that tobacco is the leading preventable cause of cancer. Cigarette smoke contains more than 70 chemicals known to cause cancer. These chemicals damage our DNA, making it harder for cells to repair themselves properly. Over time, that damage can lead to cancer.

Most people associate smoking with lung cancer, but tobacco use is linked to many other cancers as well, including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, pancreas, kidney, liver, stomach, colon, rectum, cervix, and certain forms of leukemia. Smokeless tobacco products, cigars, pipes, and even regular exposure to secondhand smoke also increase cancer risk.

The encouraging news is that it’s never too late to quit. Your body begins to heal almost immediately after you stop smoking. As the years go by, your risk of developing many types of cancer continues to decline. No matter how long you’ve smoked, quitting is one of the best gifts you can give your future self.

Alcohol: A Risk That Often Flies Under the Radar

Many people are surprised to learn that alcohol is also a cause of several types of cancer. In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, classifies alcoholic beverages as a known human carcinogen.

Alcohol has been linked to cancers of the breast, liver, mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, colon, and rectum. Even moderate drinking can increase the risk of some cancers, particularly breast cancer.

So how does alcohol increase cancer risk? When your body breaks down alcohol, it produces a chemical called acetaldehyde. This substance can damage DNA and interfere with the body’s natural repair systems. Alcohol can also affect hormone levels and make it easier for harmful chemicals from tobacco smoke to enter the body’s cells.

Perhaps most concerning is that alcohol and tobacco become even more dangerous when they’re used together. The combination dramatically increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus because each substance amplifies the harmful effects of the other.

Healthy Choices Add Up

The idea of preventing cancer can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Prevention isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making choices that improve your health one step at a time.

Some of the most effective ways to lower your cancer risk include:

• Don’t use tobacco products, and avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible.
• Limit or avoid alcohol.
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other minimally processed foods.
• Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight.
• Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure.
• Stay current on recommended cancer screenings and vaccines, including the HPV and hepatitis B vaccines.

These habits don’t just reduce cancer risk. They also help lower your chances of heart disease, diabetes, and many other chronic illnesses while improving your overall quality of life.

Supporting One Another Matters

World Cancer Support Month is about much more than prevention. It’s also about showing compassion for the millions of people living with cancer and the loved ones who support them every day.

Sometimes support means driving someone to a treatment appointment. Other times it means preparing a meal, sending a thoughtful text, or simply listening without trying to “fix” the situation. These seemingly small gestures often become the moments people remember most.

It’s also important to remember that quitting smoking or reducing alcohol use isn’t always easy. Nicotine and alcohol can both be highly addictive, and many people need professional support to make lasting changes. Encouragement, patience, and understanding can go much further than criticism or judgment.

Every Positive Step Counts

No one can eliminate every risk factor for cancer. Genetics, age, and other circumstances are beyond our control. But every healthy choice we make can move us in the right direction.

If you’ve been thinking about quitting smoking, reducing alcohol use, or building healthier habits, now is the perfect time to start. An EFR Life Coach or Counselor can provide the support and encouragement you need. If your company uses EFR’s Employee Assistance Program, you can get started by calling 800-327-4692 to speak to one of our Call Center Counselors.

If you are looking to support wellness across your workplace or organization, EFR also offers trainings on substance use prevention and healthy lifestyle habits. Contact your EFR Account Manager to learn more about these resources.

Additional Resources

Listen to our podcasts: From Addiction to Recovery and Making Connections with Cancer

Read our blog: The Truth About Alcohol: What Science Says About Safe Drinking Habits