• Alcohol
• Cancer

US SURGEON GENERAL ISSUES ADVISORY ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND CANCER RISK

• 

  Nicolas Adekeye / 4 months
• 0
• 2 min read

United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued a new advisory warning Americans that consuming alcohol can increase their risk of developing cancer. “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,” Murthy said in a statement. According to the Surgeon General’s office, alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer in the US, after tobacco and obesity. The link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk is well-established for at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and voice box. The risk remains regardless of the type of alcohol consumed and increases with greater consumption. The advisory calls for an updated health warning label on alcoholic beverages to reflect the cancer risk. However, this would require approval from Congress. Additionally, the Surgeon General’s office recommends reassessing guideline limits for alcohol consumption to account for cancer risk and raising awareness about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk. It’s worth noting that while some studies suggest moderate drinking may have health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, the risks associated with alcohol consumption cannot be ignored. As Dr. Murthy emphasized, “This Advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimize harm”. The Surgeon General’s advisory is a crucial step in raising awareness about the risks associated with alcohol consumption. As younger adults in the US are already starting to view drinking as less healthy, this advisory may encourage more Americans to reassess their drinking habits.