Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 21ST U.S. Surgeon General, recently released an advisory on the causal link between alcohol and increased risk of cancer.
The advisory states that alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in America after tobacco and obesity, contributing to about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths annually.
Dr. Murthy cites a growing body of evidence that points to alcohol holding a direct link, not just an association with at least seven different types of cancer- including cancer of the breast, colon, liver, esophagus, mouth, throat and voice box. The advisory also calls for an update on the Surgeon General’s health warning label on alcohol-containing beverages to now include cancer risk.
Dr. Murthy’s message to the American public is an important one given the rise of many cancers, including several like colon cancer in young individuals that are directly linked to alcohol. Despite this, less than half of Americans (45%) are aware that consuming alcohol increases the risk of developing cancer. The advisory hopes to spread awareness on the deadly and devastating effects of alcohol on health.
An equally important lesson from the advisory should be one of re-examining our relationship with alcohol. The drug has been celebrated in American culture for decades, and many social gatherings like weddings and sporting events are nearly synonymous with alcohol. In addition, alcohol is usually associated with beautiful women and happy emotions when heavily advertised, lulling the American public into a false sense of security when purchasing the beverage. Given the detrimental health effects of alcohol, public health leaders should lead the way into a cultural shift in recognizing alcohol for what it is; namely a toxic drug that can do much harm.
Alcohol has no health benefits according to the American Public Health Association. Alcohol has traditionally been understood as being beneficial to heart health when consumed in moderate amounts, however the recent advisory challenges that claim. Even small amounts of alcohol intake can lead to cancer, particularly breast cancer as stated in the advisory. Ultimately, no amount of alcohol is truly safe for health.
Alcohol can also have devastating consequences even beyond cancer. Long-term effects of alcohol can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease and a weakened immune system. In addition, alcohol can harm even those that are not drinking. Every day, 37 people die in America from drunk-driving crashes directly related to alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Furthermore, an estimated 88,000 Americans die each year from alcohol-related interpersonal violence, according to American Addiction Centers. Interpersonal violence includes intimate partner violence, sexual assault, suicides and homicides.
The U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on alcohol should serve as a stark reminder that the cultural normalization of drinking can overlook its significant health risks. Physicians, public health officials and media personnel must educate the public on the dangers of alcohol use. The advisory should also be a call to physicians to enhance alcohol screening at primary well-being patient visits to empower Americans to take control of their health.
Dry January is the perfect time to start, and perhaps the term “Dry January” should be renamed to “Forever Dry”.
