Doctors say the Surgeon General's recommendation to add a cancer warning to alcohol is long overdue.

 Doctors believe that the Surgeon General's suggestion to include a cancer warning on alcohol is much needed and long overdue.

Jan. 4, 2025, 5:00 PM GMT+6

Summary

A report from the U.S. Surgeon General has called for alcoholic beverages to carry cancer risk warnings. Many doctors support this recommendation, emphasizing the strong link between alcohol consumption and cancer. The report also raises questions about the long-term effects of drinking and whether there is a safe level of alcohol consumption.

In the report, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy outlines the scientific evidence linking alcohol to seven types of cancer, including mouth, throat, liver, and breast cancer, and advocates for clearer public health messaging on alcohol's risks. Bruce Scott, president of the American Medical Association, noted that alcohol at any level is a modifiable cancer risk, yet many people remain unaware of its dangers.

While six in ten U.S. adults drink alcohol, many are unaware of the risks. Experts stress that there is no safe amount of alcohol, with the World Health Organization stating that alcohol can damage DNA and increase the absorption of other carcinogens. Studies show that the more alcohol a person consumes, the higher their cancer risk.

Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., after tobacco and obesity, contributing to about 100,000 cases and 20,000 deaths annually. The Surgeon General's report compares alcohol's cancer risk to that of smoking. Experts also emphasize that while abstaining from alcohol can reduce some risks over time, full recovery from alcohol-related damage may take decades.

Current U.S. dietary guidelines recommend limits on alcohol consumption, but there is emerging evidence suggesting even moderate drinking may increase health risks. These guidelines are set to be updated soon, possibly in light of the Surgeon General's report. Some earlier studies have suggested that moderate alcohol consumption may have health benefits, but many experts remain skeptical of these claims, stressing the outweighing risks.

Doctors point out that the type of alcohol—beer, wine, or liquor—is less important than the amount consumed, as the alcohol content itself is responsible for the cancer risk. They also caution that certain drinks, like spiked seltzers, may be deceiving in terms of alcohol content, leading to higher consumption.

While the Surgeon General's warning may not immediately change drinking habits, it is seen as a step toward better public awareness. Data shows that younger adults are drinking less than previous generations, possibly due to the rise of alternative substances like vaping and edibles.