Surgeon General Highlights Alcohol's Role in Cancer Risk

New advisory links alcohol consumption to seven types of cancer and calls for increased public awareness.

The U.S. Surgeon General's advisory warns that alcohol consumption is a preventable cause of cancer, tied to approximately 100,000 cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
Alcohol is linked to seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, colorectal, and esophageal cancers, regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage consumed.
Research shows even light drinking may elevate cancer risk, with stronger associations observed for heavy consumption and certain cancer types like esophageal and breast cancer.
Alcohol increases cancer risk by breaking down into acetaldehyde, a DNA-damaging chemical, and through other biological mechanisms like hormone level changes and nutrient absorption impairment.
The advisory calls for public health campaigns, warning labels on alcohol products, and discussions between health professionals and patients to raise awareness of these risks.