Alcoholic beverages should carry labels warning of cancer risks, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said in a report Friday.
The report cites a direct link between alcohol consumption and at least seven types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and mouth cancer. An estimated 16.4% of all breast cancer cases are associated with alcohol use.
According to the report, approximately 100,000 people in the United States develop alcohol-related cancers and approximately 20,000 people die from alcohol-related cancers each year. Alcohol is the third leading cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity.
Although research has shown a link between alcohol and cancer, “the vast majority of Americans are unaware of this risk,” Murthy said in a statement.
According to the report, alcohol can cause cancer in a number of ways, including damage to DNA and changes in hormone levels.
Along with new warning labels, the Surgeon General’s report also recommends that guideline limits on alcohol consumption be re-evaluated to take into account cancer risks. Current dietary guidelines recommend moderate alcohol intake, defined as two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
Changes to beverage labels require parliamentary approval.
This year’s update to federal dietary guidelines will include new recommendations for how much alcohol people should consume.
A report on alcohol consumption by a group within the Department of Health and Human Services is expected to be released in the coming weeks. This report will help determine dietary guidelines for 2025.
This is a developing story. Please check back for the latest information.
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