The 100-Year Life Health Education and Government
Even light or moderate alcohol consumption can increase a person’s risk of cancer, the US surgeon general has warned. Dr Vivek Murthy’s report released on Friday – well timed for Dry January-ers – says at least seven types of cancers are linked to alcohol use and it’s one of the leading preventable causes of cancer.
Even “light” consumption of alcohol (one or fewer drinks a day) can reportedly increase the risk of breast, mouth and throat cancers.
The largest burden of alcohol-related cancer in the US is breast cancer in women, with an estimated 44,180 cases in 2019.
Surveys suggest less than half of US adults are aware of the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer risk, even though the link was first established in the 1980s.
To change behaviour, Murthy recommends lawmakers authorise updated warning labels on alcoholic drinks.
