WASHINGTON, DC, USA – Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a stark advisory on Friday, January 3, 2024, warning Americans about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer.
Highlighting a significant public health risk, Murthy called for updated health warning labels on alcoholic beverages to inform consumers about the potential dangers.
“Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States – greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the U.S. – yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk,” Murthy said in a statement.
Alcohol’s Role in Cancer Risk
According to the advisory, alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., following tobacco use and obesity.
The Surgeon General’s office identified seven types of cancer with established links to alcohol consumption: Breast, Colorectal, Esophagus, Liver, Mouth, Throat, and Voice box.
The advisory emphasised that the risk applies regardless of the type of alcohol consumed—whether beer, wine, or spirits—and increases with the quantity of alcohol consumed.
The Surgeon General’s office noted that even low levels of alcohol consumption can contribute to cancer risk.
For example, cancers such as breast, mouth, and throat may develop with as little as one drink per day or less.
Shifting Perceptions and New Evidence
The advisory comes amidst growing evidence of the negative health effects of alcohol, challenging the longstanding perception that moderate alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, may offer health benefits.
A December report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that while moderate drinking may be linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease, it also raises the risk of certain cancers.
The shift in attitudes is particularly evident among younger adults.
A Gallup poll in August revealed that nearly half of Americans now view having one or two drinks per day as detrimental to health—the highest percentage recorded in the survey’s 23-year history.
Younger respondents were most likely to hold this view.
Call for Action
Dr. Murthy’s advisory outlined several measures to mitigate the risks associated with alcohol consumption:
- Updated Health Warning Labels: Murthy called for Congress to approve updated warning labels on alcoholic beverages to include information about cancer risks.
- Revised Consumption Guidelines: The advisory urged for alcohol consumption guidelines to be reassessed to account for the risk of cancer.
- Increased Public Awareness: The Surgeon General’s office stressed the need for public education on the link between alcohol and cancer, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about drinking.
Previous Advisories
Dr. Murthy’s latest advisory builds on his previous public health efforts, which have tackled issues such as firearm violence, loneliness and isolation, social media’s impact on youth mental health, and the mental health of parents.
By addressing the risks of alcohol consumption, Murthy aims to initiate a national dialogue about a preventable cause of cancer that often goes overlooked.
While implementing new warning labels requires legislative approval, the advisory marks a significant step toward reshaping public understanding of alcohol’s health implications.
