On Friday, January 3, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, released a new advisory highlighting that alcohol intake can elevate the risk of cancer, advocating for a revised health warning label on alcoholic drinks.
“Alcohol is a well-documented, avoidable contributor to cancer, accounting for approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer-related deaths annually in the United States—surpassing the 13,500 fatalities from alcohol-related traffic accidents each year in the country. Despite this, most Americans remain oblivious to this threat,” Murthy stated in a release.
The Surgeon General’s office indicated that alcohol ranks as the third most significant preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., following tobacco and obesity.
His office emphasized that the connection between alcohol use and cancer risk is well-documented for at least seven cancer types: breast, colorectal, esophageal, liver, oral, throat, and laryngeal. Furthermore, the risk persists regardless of the alcohol variety consumed, increasing with higher intake.
Growing evidence has emerged against alcohol consumption due to its health dangers, contradicting the belief that certain alcoholic drinks, particularly red wine, might offer health benefits.
According to the Surgeon General’s office, the risk for cancers such as breast, mouth, and throat can begin with less than one drink per day. They also pointed out that various factors, including one’s biological makeup and surroundings, can influence individual cancer risk.
The advisory from the Surgeon General also recommends evaluating guideline limits for alcohol consumption to incorporate cancer risk considerations and aims to enhance public awareness regarding the cancer risk associated with drinking as individuals make choices about their alcohol intake.
To implement an updated warning label on alcoholic beverages reflecting cancer risk, Congressional approval would be necessary.