By AMANDA SEITZ, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Alcohol is a leading cause of cancer, a risk that should be clearly labeled on drinks Americans consume, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy proposed on Friday.
Murthy’s advisory comes as research and evidence mounts about the bad effects that alcohol has on human health.
Americans should be better informed about the link between alcohol and cancer, in particular, Murthy argues in his advisory, noting alcohol consumption is to blame for nearly one million preventable cancer cases in the U.S. over the last decade. About 20,000 people die every year from those alcohol-related cancer cases, according to his advisory.
Bottles of beer, wine and liquor already carry warning labels about the risk of birth defects when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol. But Murthy’s proposed label would go even further, raising awareness about the risk for cancer, too.
Consuming alcohol raises the risk of developing at least seven types of cancer diseases, including liver, breast and throat cancer, research has found. His advisory also notes that as a person’s alcohol consumption goes up, so does the risk for developing those illnesses.
“For individuals, be aware that cancer risk increases as you drink more alcohol,” Murthy wrote Friday on the social media platform X. “As you consider whether or how much to drink, keep in mind that less is better when it comes to cancer risk.”
Originally Published:
In a recent announcement, the Surgeon General has called for a new label on alcohol products warning consumers about the increased risk of cancer associated with alcohol consumption. This bold move comes as a response to growing concerns about the health risks of alcohol and the need for greater awareness among the public.
The Surgeon General’s recommendation is based on numerous studies linking alcohol consumption to an increased risk of various types of cancer, including breast, liver, colorectal, and esophageal cancer. While moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to have some health benefits, the risks of cancer associated with alcohol consumption cannot be ignored.
The proposed label would include a warning about the cancer risk of alcohol consumption, similar to the labels found on cigarette packages. This would serve as a stark reminder to consumers about the potential consequences of excessive alcohol consumption and encourage them to make more informed choices about their drinking habits.
As we continue to learn more about the risks of alcohol consumption, it is important for individuals to be aware of the potential health consequences and make informed decisions about their alcohol intake. The Surgeon General’s call for a new label on alcohol products is a crucial step towards raising awareness about the cancer risks associated with alcohol and promoting healthier choices among consumers.
Tags:
- Surgeon General
- Alcohol
- Cancer risk
- Health warning
- Public health
- Labeling
- Alcohol consumption
- Cancer prevention
- Health risks
- Surgeon General warning
#Surgeon #General #calls #label #alcohols #cancer #risk
