Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center

Patient Care
- Research Overview
- - Membership Directory
    Search a listing of full members of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, as well as directories of members by research program.
  - Membership Criteria
    Learn about the criteria for becoming a member of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
  - Become a Member
    Apply for membership in the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center by submitting a short form.
- - Shared Resources
    The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is home to state-of-the-art facilities and provides support to shared resources at UNMC.
  - UNMC Cores and Shared Resources
    Researchers also have access to shared resources through the UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.
  - Request for Space in the Scott Research Tower
    Complete this form to request research space.
  - Research Funding Opportunities
    NCI-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center supports Principal Investigators through pilot grants and seed funding to explore novel research ideas and engage in team science projects that address critical cancer care and treatment challenges.
- - Cancer Biology Program
    The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Cancer Biology Program represents a long-standing commitment to cancer mechanisms-focused research.
  - Translational Cancer Research Program
    This program develops and delivers small molecules to modulate validated cancer targets as eventual cancer therapeutics.
  - Cancer Prevention & Control Program
    This program aims at identifying and understanding the factors influencing cancer risk, with a special emphasis on disparities and rural populations in the catchment area.
- - Registries
    View registries that are currently enrolling subjects through iCaRe2.
  - Information for Patients
    Participation helps researchers understand specific cancer types, determine risk factors, advance treatment for patients and discover cancer prognostic markers.
  - Information for Researchers
    iCaRe2 aims to foster clinical and epidemiological studies and accelerate the secondary use of cancer and health related data for translational research.
  - Information for Sponsors
    Your gift will support the continuous system growth and improve strides in personalized medicine, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer.
- Community Outreach Overview
- Mission
  We are committed to reducing the cancer burden across Nebraska through strong partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and programs informed by community needs and priorities.
- Community Advisory Board
  This board advises on the direction of cancer center research, dissemination of evidence from ongoing research activities, and policy recommendations.
- Speaker's Bureau
  The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Speakers Bureau provides resources to community groups across Nebraska including experts to give presentations on cancer-related topics.
- Resources
  The Community Outreach and Engagement Office provides such resources as videos, infographics, reports and community needs assessments.
- Our Team
  Find members of the Community Outreach and Engagement Office team.
- Training & Education Overview
- Upper Midwest Emerging Scholars Exchange Program
  Learn about a new opportunity for Early Stage Investigators to share their research at peer institutions.
- Leadership Overview
- Director's Message
  Read a message from Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
- About the Center
  Learn about the mission and vision of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.

Alcohol Use and Cancer Risk

Alcohol is a known carcinogen. This means it can directly increase your risk of developing cancer. Even small amounts of alcohol can contribute to cancer risk, and the risk increases with higher levels of consumption.

Research consistently shows that alcohol use is linked to several types of cancer, including:

Breast cancer

Colorectal cancer

Liver cancer

Esophageal cancer

Head and neck cancers

According to the National Cancer Institute, alcohol contributes to thousands of cancer cases each year in the United States.

How alcohol causes cancer

Alcohol affects the body in several ways that can lead to cancer:

DNA damage: When alcohol is broken down in the body, it forms acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can damage DNA and prevent cells from repairing themselves.
Hormone changes: Alcohol can increase levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen, which is linked to breast cancer risk.
Increased absorption of carcinogens: Alcohol can make it easier for harmful chemicals (like those in tobacco) to enter cells in the mouth and throat.
Nutrient interference: Heavy alcohol use can impair the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients (like folate), which help protect against cancer.

How much alcohol is considered “Safe”?

There is no completely risk-free level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cancer.

However, general guidance from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests:

Women: Up to 1 drink per day

Men: Up to 2 drinks per day

Even within these limits, cancer risk is not zero.

What counts as one drink?

A standard drink in the U.S. equals:

12 oz of beer

5 oz of wine

1.5 oz of distilled spirits

Who should avoid alcohol completely?

You should avoid alcohol if you:

Have a personal or strong family history of cancer

Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Have liver disease or other medical conditions affected by alcohol

Take medications that interact with alcohol