A few days ago, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a critical advisory on the direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk. Alcohol is now identified as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., following tobacco and obesity, and is associated with at least seven types of cancer. Despite over four decades of scientific evidence, less than half of Americans are aware of this connection. The advisory outlines steps to address this public health challenge, including updating health warning labels on alcohol-containing beverages to highlight the cancer risk.

Dr. Murthy stressed the severity of the issue, noting that alcohol contributes to approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States, surpassing alcohol-related traffic fatalities. He stated, “This Advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimize harm.” Recommendations include revising alcohol consumption guidelines, encouraging health care providers to inform patients about the risks, and strengthening public education campaigns to emphasize alcohol as a modifiable cancer risk factor.

The evidence supporting the link between alcohol and cancer is extensive, particularly for breast, colorectal, esophageal, liver, oral, throat, and laryngeal cancers. For breast cancer alone, 16.4% of cases are attributed to alcohol consumption. Even at low levels—one drink or less per day—the risk for certain cancers, such as breast and oral cancers, begins to rise. This underscores the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to alcohol use and the need for awareness of the biological, social, and environmental factors that influence cancer risk.

The advisory is part of a series of Surgeon General’s Advisories addressing pressing public health issues. By highlighting alcohol as a preventable cause of cancer, Dr. Murthy aims to spark nationwide action to reduce alcohol-related cancer cases and deaths. The call to action includes updating health policies, expanding public education efforts, and equipping health professionals with tools to promote alcohol screening and referrals. This marks a significant step toward a healthier future and greater awareness of preventable health risks.

Find more from the Office of the Surgeon General (USA, January 2025)