US Issues Health Advisory: Alcohol Linked to Increased Cancer Risk

A new US health advisory warns of the strong connection between alcohol consumption and cancer, urging the public to rethink drinking habits to safeguard health.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the Surgeon General of the United States, has released a public advisory highlighting the strong connection between alcohol consumption and cancer.

The guidance, issued on Friday, is based on research that identifies alcohol as a factor in at least seven types of cancer.

The advisory highlights that consuming alcohol raises the risk of developing various cancers, including those affecting the throat, liver, esophagus, mouth, larynx, colon and rectum. Additionally, it ranks alcohol as the third most preventable cause of cancer in the United States after tobacco use and obesity.

“Alcohol is a known, preventable cause of cancer, contributing to around 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths related to cancer each year in the United States. This number surpasses the annual alcohol-related traffic fatalities of about 13,500 in the U.S., yet most Americans remain unaware of this risk,” Dr. Murthy noted. “This advisory outlines steps we can take to raise awareness about alcohol’s link to cancer and reduce potential harm.”

The Role of Alcohol in Cancer Development

The advisory details four main mechanisms through which alcohol elevates cancer risk:

Exposure to Acetaldehyde: When alcohol is metabolized, it breaks down into acetaldehyde, a chemical that has the potential to harm DNA and increase the risk of cancer.

Oxidative Stress: Alcohol induces oxidative stress, damaging DNA, proteins, and cells as well as causing inflammation.

Hormonal Changes: Alcohol affects hormone levels, including estrogen, which has been associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.

The advisory indicates that alcohol consumption is linked to over 16% of breast cancer cases.

Improved Absorption: Alcohol creates conditions that make it easier for the body to absorb, thereby increasing its associated risks.

The advisory highlights that a person’s risk is shaped by a blend of biological, environmental, social, and economic factors.

Strategies for Risk Mitigation

Dr. Murthy recommends adding warning labels to alcoholic beverages to emphasize the cancer risk and revisiting guidelines on alcohol consumption limits. He urges people to make informed choices regarding their alcohol intake and asks healthcare professionals to educate the public about these risks.

The advisory cautions that a significant number of Americans still hold the outdated belief that consuming some alcohol is not only harmless but also beneficial.

Reactions from Experts

Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor at NYU Langone Health, backed the findings of the advisory. He informed Fox News Digital that “growing evidence indicates that [alcohol being harmless] isn’t accurate.”

Dr. Siegel highlighted that although alcohol is commonly perceived as a stress-reliever, it is actually a “proven toxin” with established connections to liver, heart, and brain diseases. While conventional guidelines recommend moderate drinking—up to one drink per day for women and two for men—Siegel emphasized that “no amount of alcohol is healthy.”

The pandemic added further complexity to the issue, leading to a 25% increase in alcohol consumption during times of increased stress and isolation.

“The advisory is perfectly timed,” Dr. Siegel emphasized, highlighting the necessity for a public shift in understanding the risks associated with alcohol.