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US Surgeon General Reports Alcohol Use Linked to Increased Cancer Risk
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Key Takeaways
- Alcohol is identified as the third leading preventable cause of cancer, necessitating explicit labeling to raise public awareness.
- Alcohol consumption is linked to increased risk of seven cancer types, with 17% of breast cancer cases attributed to alcohol.
The advisory emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to reducing alcohol-related cancer by combining prevention, education, and treatment to improve public health outcomes.
On January 3, 2025, United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, issued an advisory calling attention to the link between alcohol and cancer, identifying it as the third leading preventable cause of cancer, following smoking and obesity. The advisory calls for explicit labeling on alcohol and aims to educate the public, as well as promote measures to reduce alcohol-related cancer cases and mortalities.1
Close up of alcohol bottles | Image Credit: © Artyom - stock.adobe.com
Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the United States, with over 600,000 deaths in 2024 alone. Of these cases, breast, lung and bronchus, prostate, and colorectal cancers collectively account for 50% of all new cases, as well as 50% of all deaths. Although advancements in treatment and screening have greatly improved outcomes for patients, prevention remains a key cornerstone of comprehensive cancer care.2
Approximately 750 million cases of cancer around the world can be linked to alcohol consumption. Although prior studies have linked potential health benefits to red wine, there is growing clinical evidence that any amount of alcohol is unsafe to consume.3,4
“Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States—greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the US—yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk,” Murthy said in a press release. “This advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimize harm.”1
There are various factors that have been linked to increased risk of cancer, such as smoking, genetics, obesity, or environmental factors. Until the advisory, alcohol was not widely recognized as a driver for cancer, and labels were restricted to pregnancy risks and driving impairments associated with alcohol consumption. The additional warning label for cancer risk would require approval from the United States Congress.4,5
The advisory is a product of growing evidence and reports indicating that alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of 7 types of cancer, which are breast, colorectal, esophagus, liver, oral, pharynx, and larynx cancers. According to the report, 17% of all breast cancer cases can be attributed to alcohol consumption.1,3
Additionally, cancer risk is not dependent on the type of alcohol consumed, and as levels of consumption increase, so does the likelihood of developing cancer. Evidence shows that as little as 1 or fewer drinks per day may increase risk of breast, mouth, and throat cancers. However, individual risk is also determined by the interplay between biological, environmental, social, and economic factors.1
Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer due to prolonged and excessive consumption. AUD not only increases the likelihood of alcohol-related cancers but also contributes to other health issues that can exacerbate cancer risk, including nutritional deficiencies and impaired immune function. Treatment for patients with AUD can include behavioral therapies to change drinking behaviors, medications to manage cravings, such as naltrexone (Vivitrol; Alkermes), and support programs.1
Some emerging research suggests the potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists as a treatment option for patients with AUD. According to a cohort study of over 220,000 participants with AUD, semaglutide (Ozempic; Eli Lilly) and liraglutide (Victoza; Novo Nordisk) significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization for both AUD and substance use disorder. Effective treatment of AUD plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of alcohol-related cancers, and raising awareness is critical to encourage and expand screening efforts for this population.6
The surgeon general’s advisory emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to reducing alcohol-related cancer risks, combining prevention, education, and treatment to improve public health outcomes. It calls for revising current alcohol consumption guidelines to better reflect cancer risks and encourages individuals to be mindful of how alcohol consumption can increase their cancer risk. Public health professionals and community groups are urged to prioritize alcohol as a key modifiable cancer risk factor, expanding education efforts to raise awareness.1
Furthermore, the advisory highlights the critical role of health care providers in educating patients about this connection, integrating alcohol screening into clinical practice, and offering treatment referrals for those with AUD. Addressing AUD and enhancing awareness through these strategies can help reduce alcohol-related cancers and contribute to better health outcomes overall.1
