Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 21st U.S. surgeon general, has released an advisory highlighting alcohol as a preventable cause of cancer, ranking it third behind tobacco and obesity. The report states that alcohol contributes to approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S. It cites evidence linking alcohol to over seven types of cancer, including breast, colon, liver, esophagus, mouth, throat, and throat cancer.
The advisory also calls for updated health warnings on alcohol labels to include cancer risk information. Despite growing awareness, only 45% of Americans know that alcohol increases cancer risk, highlighting the need for greater public education.
Murthy emphasizes re-examining our relationship with alcohol in American culture, where it is often celebrated and linked to happiness and success. This cultural normalization risks overlooking its severe health consequences, including heart disease, high blood pressure, liver damage, and a weakened immune system.
Research shows that even small amounts of alcohol can lead to cancer, particularly breast cancer, and that long-term use can result in devastating health effects like high blood pressure, heart disease, and liver problems. Additionally, 37 people die daily from drunk-driving crashes, while nearly 88,000 Americans die annually from alcohol-related violence such as intimate partner violence or suicide.
The advisory serves as a stark reminder that the normalization of drinking culture can ignore its significant health risks. Physicians, public health officials, and media should educate the public about alcohol’s dangers and push for enhanced alcohol screening in healthcare settings.
For those ready to make a change, Dry January offers a perfect opportunity to kickstart healthier habits. Embrace this moment to prioritize your well-being and consider renaming “Dry January” to “Forever Dry.”
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/omerawan/2025/01/25/what-the-us-surgeon-generals–advisory-on-alcohol-means-for-americans