alcohol and cancer, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has issued a call for Congress to mandate health warning labels that would educate consumers about the connection between alcohol consumption and the increased risk of cancer. Murthy's new advisory elaborates on how drinking alcohol raises the likelihood of developing seven types of cancer.
"Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer, following tobacco and obesity," Murthy, who is set to leave his position later this month, explained in an interview with NPR. "To put it in perspective, alcohol is responsible for approximately 100,000 cancer cases annually in the United States and 20,000 cancer-related deaths."
Murthy went on to specify that the seven cancers most strongly linked to alcohol use are breast cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, mouth cancer, throat cancer, and cancer of the voice box (larynx). He emphasized that many individuals are unaware of this connection, and this lack of awareness is the central reason for his advisory.
During an interview with Morning Edition's Steve Inskeep, Murthy discussed the risks associated with alcohol consumption and also spoke about the incoming surgeon general, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat.
When asked whether the scientific understanding of the link between alcohol and cancer had become clearer in recent years, Murthy affirmed that it had. He explained that the body of research had grown stronger, resulting in increased certainty about alcohol's contribution to cancer risk. However, he also pointed out that, while many Americans are aware of the dangers of tobacco and other health risks, fewer than half are informed about the connection between alcohol and cancer.
The conversation then turned to whether the amount of alcohol consumed makes a difference in the risk of cancer. Murthy confirmed that it does, noting that the risk increases with the quantity of alcohol consumed. He mentioned that the risk is significantly lower for individuals who drink less.
Inskeep raised the point that alcohol carries numerous risks, such as those related to drinking during pregnancy or while driving or operating machinery. Given these existing warnings, Inskeep wondered whether cancer should be considered the most important concern. Murthy acknowledged these other risks and noted that alcohol bottles already feature surgeon general warnings regarding drinking during pregnancy and while operating heavy machinery.
However, Murthy argued that the surgeon general's warning label should be updated by Congress to include cancer as an additional risk. He highlighted that when public health warnings about risks like drinking during pregnancy and while driving were introduced, they became part of the national consciousness, influencing people's behaviors. Murthy expressed his hope that adding cancer to the list of alcohol-related risks would similarly shape public understanding.
While specific guidelines for alcohol consumption vary from person to person, Murthy emphasized that genetics, family history, and environmental factors all influence an individual’s cancer risk. Still, two key conclusions can be drawn from the available data: First, there is a noticeable increase in cancer risk even at levels that currently fall within the recommended guidelines—one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Second, lower levels of alcohol consumption are associated with lower cancer risk.
The takeaway, Murthy stressed, is that if individuals choose to drink regularly, consuming less alcohol is better for minimizing cancer risk.
As Murthy prepares to leave office on January 20, Inskeep inquired about his conversations with Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for surgeon general. Murthy shared that while he had not yet spoken to Nesheiwat, he was looking forward to connecting with her. He noted that previous surgeon generals, regardless of political affiliation, have maintained strong relationships with one another, providing mutual support during their tenures.
Murthy also reflected on the impact of the surgeon general's warnings, drawing a comparison to the famous 1964 report that highlighted the dangers of smoking. He mentioned that when the 1964 warning was issued, it led to widespread action, including the introduction of warning labels and national anti-smoking campaigns. Murthy expressed hope that his advisory on alcohol and cancer risk could similarly spark national conversations and contribute to healthier behaviors.
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Throughout his tenure, Murthy has focused on a range of public health issues, including youth mental health, loneliness, social media's effects, and more. He stated that his hope for this advisory was to raise awareness and eventually help people make healthier choices regarding alcohol consumption.
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