He’s shaking up the alcohol industry.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has urged that alcohol products carry warning labels highlighting the cancer risks associated with consumption. Research has shown that alcohol is responsible for 20,000 cancer-related deaths in the U.S. each year and is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the country. In his recent advisory, Murthy emphasized that alcohol use increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, mouth, and throat cancers.
The advisory also notes that alcohol was linked to 96,730 cancer cases in 2019, with women bearing a significant portion of the burden, particularly in breast cancer. Despite the strong evidence connecting alcohol and cancer, many Americans are unaware of these risks. While 72% of adults drink alcohol regularly, less than half recognize its potential to cause cancer. Murthy stressed the importance of educating the public about the dangers alcohol poses to health.
Murthy is not only calling for clearer warning labels but also suggests that current alcohol consumption guidelines should be reconsidered. While 83% of alcohol-related cancer deaths occur above the recommended drinking limits (two drinks per day for men and one for women), a notable percentage of deaths still occur within these limits. The Surgeon General advocates for a shift in public health messaging, as even moderate drinking could elevate the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer.
In his advisory, Murthy further points out the broader societal effects of alcohol consumption, which contributes to more cancer cases than alcohol-related traffic deaths, which are estimated at 13,500 annually. He is calling for increased public health campaigns and alcohol screening in healthcare settings to raise awareness and reduce the risk of alcohol-related cancers. Murthy emphasized that the consistent amount of alcohol consumed over time is key in determining cancer risk, with the likelihood of developing cancer rising with greater alcohol intake.
Lastly, the advisory notes that while some religious groups, including Evangelicals and Methodists, promote abstinence from alcohol to avoid drunkenness, the majority of practicing Christians still drink. This indicates that public health campaigns targeting alcohol consumption should also address faith-based communities and highlight the cancer risks associated with drinking, even among those who may not traditionally associate alcohol with health concerns.
