The Globe and Mail’s daily news podcast, The Decibel, recently featured an insightful episode exploring the growing conversation around alcohol and its health implications. Titled “The cancer risk of alcohol,” the episode coincides with Dry January, a time when many reassess their drinking habits. It highlights the US Surgeon General’s advisory on cancer warning labels for alcohol and dives into the long-known scientific evidence linking alcohol to various cancers, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer. This discussion serves as a wake-up call to increase public awareness about the risks tied to alcohol consumption.

The episode features Dr. Adam Sherk, senior scientist at the Canadian Center on Substance Use and Addiction, who sheds light on the gap between scientific knowledge and public awareness. Despite alcohol being classified as a carcinogen over three decades ago, fewer than 50% of people know about its cancer risks. The conversation also delves into Canada’s updated drinking guidelines, which emphasize that even moderate alcohol consumption poses a risk. Dr. Sher draws parallels with the tobacco industry, noting that clearer labeling and stronger public health messaging could make a significant impact.

Listeners of The Decibel are encouraged to reflect on their own habits and consider where they fall on the spectrum of risk. The episode underscores the importance of government action, such as introducing mandatory cancer warning labels on alcohol, to bridge the awareness gap. By tackling such critical issues, The Decibel not only informs but also empowers its audience to make more informed decisions about their health.

Find more from the Globe and Mail (Canada, January 2025)