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With the arrival of the New Year and the start of “Dry January,” the spotlight is once again on the health risks associated with alcohol consumption. This year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued a new advisory underscoring the connection between alcohol and cancer, calling for updated warning labels on alcoholic beverages to better inform consumers.
Alcohol and Cancer: The Hidden Risks
Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including those of the colon, liver, breast, and mouth and throat. The body metabolizes alcohol into acetaldehyde, a substance that can damage cells and hinder their ability to repair, creating conditions conducive to cancer development.
According to Dr. Murthy’s advisory, alcohol-related cancer accounts for approximately 100,000 cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the United States. “As you consider whether or how much to drink, keep in mind that less is better when it comes to cancer risk,” Murthy advised on social media.
Shifting Perspectives on Moderate Drinking
Moderate alcohol consumption was once thought to offer heart health benefits, but recent studies challenge this narrative. Dr. Timothy Naimi, director of the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, explained that earlier studies often compared groups of people based on self-reported drinking habits at a single point in time. These studies did not account for factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, or the selection bias of excluding people who had quit drinking due to health problems.
“When you adjust for those factors, the supposed benefits of moderate drinking tend to disappear,” Naimi said.
Moreover, emerging research, including genetic studies, has further undermined the idea of alcohol’s protective effects. One such study found that individuals with a genetic variant making alcohol consumption unpleasant had a lower risk of heart disease, challenging the belief that moderate drinking safeguards heart health.
International Trends and Guidelines
Globally, countries are revising their alcohol consumption guidelines to reflect growing evidence of its risks. The United Kingdom, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Australia have recently lowered their recommendations. Starting in 2026, Ireland will require cancer warning labels on alcohol products.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has echoed these concerns, with Carina Ferreira-Borges, regional adviser for alcohol, noting that alcohol is linked to over 200 health conditions, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and injuries.
In the U.S., the 2020 federal dietary guidelines retained the recommendation for men to limit themselves to two drinks per day, despite an advisory committee suggesting a reduction to one drink. The current guidelines also recommend women consume no more than one drink daily.
A Clearer Message for Better Health
Experts agree on one consistent takeaway: drinking less is better for overall health. “The scientific consensus has shifted due to the overwhelming evidence linking alcohol to a wide array of health problems,” Ferreira-Borges said.
As Dry January offers a chance to reassess drinking habits, the growing body of research suggests that cutting back—or abstaining altogether—could be one of the most effective ways to improve long-term health.
