A new advisory released by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warns of a direct link between alcohol consumption and a heightened risk of at least seven types of cancer.
The guidance, issued on Friday, cites research that connects alcohol use to cancers of the breast, liver, esophagus, mouth, colon, rectum, throat, and larynx (voice box).
While scientific evidence linking alcohol to cancer has grown over the past four decades, recent findings suggest many Americans remain unaware of the full extent of the danger.
Dr. Murthy’s advisory emphasizes that alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, ranking behind tobacco use and obesity.
According to the Surgeon General, around 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 related deaths each year can be attributed to alcohol. These numbers surpass the 13,500 alcohol-related traffic fatalities that occur annually.
The advisory calls for an updated warning label on alcoholic beverages, recommending that it clearly states the link between alcohol and cancer.
Dr. Murthy also urges a reassessment of official guidelines for alcohol consumption so that people can better understand the potential risks, even from modest drinking.
The updated recommendations outline how alcohol increases the likelihood of cancer through several mechanisms, including the production of a harmful chemical called acetaldehyde, which damages DNA, and a process called oxidative stress, which can trigger inflammation.
Alcohol can also alter hormone levels—particularly estrogen—which is tied to an increased risk of breast cancer. As a result, more than 16% of all breast cancer cases have been associated with alcohol use. Evidence shows that for some cancers, the risk may start to rise with as little as one or fewer drinks per day.
Health care professionals, community groups, and local organizations are encouraged to highlight these risks and raise public awareness.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health, echoes Dr. Murthy’s call for increased caution. He noted that despite the common perception that moderate consumption of drinks like wine may offer certain health benefits, alcohol remains a proven toxin capable of causing damage to the liver, heart, and brain. He also warns that pandemic-related stress led many individuals to increase their alcohol use, and that trend appears to have continued.
Professionals recommend discussing individual risk factors with health care providers, staying informed about current research, and reducing alcohol intake whenever possible to help prevent certain types of cancer.
By promoting greater public understanding and urging updates to beverage labels, the Surgeon General hopes to reduce the preventable cancers linked to drinking and minimize future harm.