The U.S. Surgeon General Wants Cancer Warnings on Alcohol

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is urging Congress to update alcohol warning labels to include cancer risks, emphasizing the link between alcohol consumption and seven types of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancer. Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer, responsible for 100,000 cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

Murthy highlights the lack of public awareness compared to tobacco's cancer risks, underscoring that even moderate drinking increases cancer risk. He advocates for behavior-shaping labels, akin to those on tobacco, to inform consumers and promote healthier choices. Lower alcohol consumption correlates with reduced risk, reinforcing the need for informed decision-making. Read more from NPR here.