Surgeon GeneralVivek Murthy, MD, recently released anadvisorythat calls for adding cancer warning labels to alcohol. The report said that alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity.

“Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States—greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the U.S.—yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk,” Murthy saidin a statement.

However, whether alcohol warning labels will be strengthened will depend on the incoming Trump Administration.

The report stated that all kinds of alcohol—wine, beer, and liquor—are linked to seven types of cancer. At least 16% of total breast cancer cases are attributable to alcohol consumption.

Is It time to Add Cancer-Specific Warning Labels to Alcohol?

How May Alcohol Consumption Cause Cancer?

The Surgeon General’s Advisory highlights four ways alcohol could cause cancer.

When consumed, alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage DNA and elevate cancer risk. It also inducesoxidative stress, an imbalance in molecules that harms DNA, proteins, and cells while increasing inflammation. Alcohol consumption may raise the levels of hormones, such as estrogen, which is linked to breast cancer. Additionally, alcohol alters cells in the mouth and throat, making them more susceptible to absorbing carcinogens.

Cancer is not the only health issue that is linked to alcohol.

“Heavy or binge drinking is harmful to health, contributing to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, mental health issues, and a higher risk of injuries,” saidBonnie Qin, PhD,an assistant professor of Cancer Epidemiology and Health Outcomes at the Rutgers Cancer Institute.

While older studies suggested potential heart benefits from moderate alcohol consumption, Qin said that emerging research indicates otherwise.

For instance, astudypresented last year at the American College of Cardiology conference suggested that more than one drink per day raises the risk of heart disease among women. For context, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism definesmoderate drinkingas up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

What Happens to Your Body When You Don’t Drink Alcohol for a Month?

How Can You Cut Back on Alcohol?

Think about whether you’re drinking to relax, socialize, or unwind at home, Crane added. Once you’ve identified the trigger that makes you want to drink, try to think of alternatives for those scenarios. For example, you can opt for taking a walk instead of going to another bar after dinner.

Binge drinking can be defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in a day. Even if you only drink on weekends, it’s easy to go over the threshold. Some people may underestimate their alcohol intake because they misunderstand alcohol serving sizes. (A standard drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.)

Crane said you can also find a support buddy to share your goal of cutting back on alcohol. Practice what you will say if people ask why you’re not drinking, which can include reasons like you no longer enjoy the way alcohol makes you feel, you want to get healthier, or the taste isn’t appealing to you.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help,” Crane said. “Stopping any lifelong behavior is hard. Professional help and programs are available. You may want to consider finding a therapist to speak with or join a program such asAlcoholics Anonymousor other online programs.”

The 75 Hard Challenge Is Extremely Restrictive. Here’s a Softer, Easier Alternative

What This Means For YouThe Surgeon General’s report emphasizes that all types of alcohol—beer, wine, and liquor—can contribute to cancer risk. To reduce your risk, consider tracking your alcohol intake, understanding standard drink sizes, and finding healthier ways to relax or socialize.

What This Means For You

The Surgeon General’s report emphasizes that all types of alcohol—beer, wine, and liquor—can contribute to cancer risk. To reduce your risk, consider tracking your alcohol intake, understanding standard drink sizes, and finding healthier ways to relax or socialize.

1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Drinking levels defined.

1 Source

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Drinking levels defined.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Drinking levels defined.

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