U.S. surgeon general warns of alcohol's link to cancer
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The U.S. Surgeon General has recently issued an advisory about the significant link between alcohol consumption and various forms of cancer. Highlighting evidence from numerous studies, the advisory stresses that even moderate drinking can increase the risk of developing cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancers. This advisory mirrors the influential 1964 surgeon general’s report on smoking, which began the shift in public perception of smoking from harmless to recognizing its dangers. This announcement aims to raise public awareness and encourage preventative measures to reduce alcohol-related health risks, potentially marking a pivotal moment in public health policy.
Source
Ortolá R, Sotos-Prieto M, García-Esquinas E, Galán I, Rodríguez-Artalejo F. Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Mortality Among Older Adults With Health-Related or Socioeconomic Risk Factors. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(8):e2424495. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24495
Additional Reading
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/03/health/alcohol-cancer-surgeon-generals-advisory/index.html
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/03/nx-s1-5245794/alcohol-cancer-risk-surgeon-general