U.S. Surgeon General Warns About Link Between Alcohol and Cancer Risk
On January 3, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new Advisory outlining the direct link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk. Research shows that, after tobacco and obesity, alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the nation. And, this connection has been growing over the past 40 years.
The Surgeon General’s Advisory makes recommendations aimed at minimizing alcohol-related cancer cases and deaths. These include updating the existing health warning label on alcohol-containing beverages. Dr. Murthy said:
“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. This Advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimize harm.”
The direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk is well-established for at least seven types of cancer including cancers of the breast, colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat and voice box. The risk is present regardless of the type of alcohol (i.e., beer, wine and spirits) that is consumed. In fact, 16.4% of total breast cancer cases are attributable to alcohol consumption.
Scientific evidence shows that cancer risk increases as alcohol consumption increases. For certain cancers, like breast, mouth and throat cancers, the risk of developing cancer may start to increase with one or fewer drinks per day. An individual's risk of developing cancer due to alcohol consumption is determined by a complex interaction of biological, environmental, social and economic factors.
The Surgeon General’s Advisory also calls for a reassessment of the guideline limits for alcohol consumption to account for cancer risk, and advises individuals to be aware of the relationship between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk when considering whether or how much to drink.
Additionally, public health professionals and community groups should highlight alcohol consumption as a leading modifiable cancer risk factor and strengthen public education efforts. Health care providers also should inform patients in clinical settings about this link and promote the use of alcohol screening and treatment referrals as needed.
Surgeon General’s Advisories are public statements that call the American people’s attention to a critical public health issue. They are reserved for significant public health challenges that require the nation’s immediate awareness and action. Please click here to read the full Advisory.
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