What Does the U.S. Surgeon General’s New Cancer Warning on Alcohol Mean?
James Grant, M.D.
| 3 min read
James D. Grant, M.D., is senior vice president and c...
Last week, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on the link between alcohol consumption and cancer, recommending further cautions be added to the warning labels on alcohol products. You may be wondering what this means?
Surgeon General Advisories are public statements that call the American people’s attention to a critical public health issue that require the nation’s awareness and action. The recent advisory is meant to bring greater awareness to Americans of the negative effects of alcohol and their correlation to cancer.
The science linking alcohol consumption to several types of cancer is not new. In fact, many studies have validated the link between alcohol consumption and seven types of cancer including cancers of the breast, colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat and voice box. This cancer risk has been shown with any type of alcohol – beer, wine or liquor.
In the U.S., there are about 100,000 alcohol-related cancer cases and about 20,000 alcohol-related cancer deaths annually. The risk of developing cancer has been correlated with the amount of alcohol an individual consumes, and that risk seems to be higher in women than in men.
- Women consuming one drink per day increase their risk of developing cancer by 19%.
- Men consuming one drink per day increase their risk of developing cancer by 11.4%.
Additional health risks of alcohol consumption
Other dangers of alcohol consumption are more well known. In the U.S., every alcoholic beverage sold is required to have a label that warns about alcohol impairing mental function and general health and warns pregnant women against consuming alcohol due to increased risk of birth defects.
Ongoing alcohol consumption is also linked to several chronic conditions including:
- Heart and vascular problems, such as high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease
- Digestive disorders
- Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
- Liver disease
- Weaker immune system
Making healthy choices
Taking steps to reduce alcohol consumption, even by a few drinks a week, can have a significant impact on your health. For certain cancers, like breast, mouth and throat cancers, evidence shows that the risk of developing cancer can increase at just one or fewer drinks per day. If you are looking for ways to cut back, consider the following:
Set clear, achievable goals
Set a limit on how much alcohol you consume and track your progress. Keep a journal, use an app or ask someone to keep you accountable.
Avoid drinking triggers
Think about situations or emotions that make you more likely to drink. When those situations may arise, change your routine. Find something to replace drinking alcohol, such as tea or sparkling water.
Choose alcohol-free days
Designate days that you commit to drinking no alcohol. If you typically drink more on the weekends, try to gradually reduce your intake or choose an alcohol-free activity.
Find support
It is easier to form new habits when you have accountability. Ask someone you know to join you in the challenge or seek professional help.
If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can discuss changes you may need to make to improve your health. Your doctor also can connect you to resources for recovery and to stay sober.
Image: Getty Images
Related:
You May Also Like
How Alcohol and Histamines Affect Sinuses
Medically Reviewed by: Gregory Scherle, M.D.
