About This Project

Did you know that facial flushing after drinking alcohol can cause cancer? Over 540 million people have a genetic variant that impairs the breakdown of alcohol, resulting in a buildup of acetaldehyde, a class 1 carcinogen! Despite the prevalence, public awareness remains dangerously low. Led by current and future physicians, our project will test if educational interventions online and in-person can change perceptions regarding the risks of facial flushing after alcohol and cancer.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Approximately 8% of the global population—over 540 million people—experience facial flushing after drinking alcohol! This reaction is caused by a common genetic variant in the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2*2), which prevents the body from effectively breaking down alcohol. As a result, acetaldehyde, a toxic and carcinogenic byproduct, accumulates in the bloodstream. Chronic exposure to acetaldehyde dramatically increases the risk of cancers of the head, neck, and gastrointestinal tract, especially among those who continue to drink alcohol.

Despite how widespread this trait is, awareness remains alarmingly low. Many who flush have no idea it signals a serious health risk! Our project seeks to change that through a national educational initiative, combining community-based outreach, digital campaigns, and partnerships with current and future physicians to raise awareness, promote early prevention, and reduce cancer risk in at-risk populations.

What is the significance of this project?

This project tackles a major but under-recognized global cancer risk linked to alcohol consumption among individuals with the ALDH2*2 genetic variant. Beyond biology, this issue is deeply intertwined with social and cultural perceptions of drinking. In many Asian communities, alcohol plays a central role in celebration, business, and social connection—yet facial flushing is often seen merely as an inconvenience or embarrassment, rather than a warning sign of increased cancer risk.

Widespread myths, such as using over-the-counter drugs like Pepcid (famotidine) to “prevent” flushing, further worsen the problem. These medications only mask the redness, allowing people to drink more while increasing toxic acetaldehyde exposure and cancer risk.

By providing evidence-based education to communities and healthcare providers, this project aims to replace misinformation with understanding, shift harmful drinking norms, and ultimately save lives through awareness and prevention.

What are the goals of the project?

We have three goals for this project.

The first goal is to increase awareness of alcohol flushing and cancer risk through in-person community outreach. With a network of future doctors invested in this cause, we will hold in-person community events across the U.S. in 2026 for Asian American communities, distributing culturally-tailored materials in various Asian languages explaining how alcohol flushing, caused by the ALDH2*2 variant, increases cancer risk.

The second goal is to develop an online educational platform to expand our reach. The website will explain the science, dispel myths, such as using Pepcid to “prevent” flushing, and provide resources for both the public and healthcare providers.

The third goal is to build a digital and social media campaign featuring short, engaging videos to share accurate information, challenge cultural misconceptions, and empower individuals to make informed health decisions about alcohol use and cancer prevention.