U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for alcoholic beverages to carry warning labels about cancer risks in a report released on Friday. The report highlights a direct connection between alcohol consumption and at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, liver, and mouth cancers. It also states that approximately 16.4% of total breast cancer cases are linked to alcohol consumption.
The report revealed that approximately 100,000 alcohol-related cancer cases and 20,000 alcohol-related cancer deaths occur annually in the U.S. Alcohol is the third-leading cause of cancer in the country, following tobacco and obesity. Despite established research linking alcohol to cancer, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy noted that most Americans remain unaware of this risk. Alcohol contributes to cancer by damaging DNA and altering hormone levels, according to the report.
In addition to recommending new warning labels on alcoholic beverages, the report suggests revisiting the current guidelines on alcohol consumption to better reflect the cancer risks. The current dietary guidelines advise moderate drinking, defined as up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
Any changes to the labels on alcoholic beverages would need to be authorized by Congress. However, the federal dietary guidelines are set to be updated later this year, and these revisions are expected to include new recommendations regarding alcohol consumption. These updated guidelines will reflect the latest research on alcohol’s health impacts, including its link to various types of cancer.
Additionally, a report on alcohol consumption, prepared by a special group within the Department of Health and Human Services, is scheduled to be published in the coming weeks. This report will provide valuable insights that will help inform the 2025 federal dietary guidelines. It will likely address the health risks associated with alcohol, including its role in contributing to cancer and other chronic diseases, and may lead to adjustments in the recommended limits for alcohol intake. This comprehensive approach aims to provide clearer guidance to the public on how to minimize health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
