In a new advisory, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., is urging cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages. This recommendation, which comes as part of an effort to update the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, focuses on a growing body of research showing the link between alcohol and higher risks of various types of cancer, the surgeon general said.

Alcohol has long been known to be a leading cause of preventable diseases, including liver disease and heart problems. But now, it is increasingly being recognized as a cancer risk factor.

“It is extremely important for the public to know of this advisory,” explains Starr Mautner, M.D., a breast surgical oncologist at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. “So many of my patients who were mild-moderate drinkers prior to their breast cancer diagnosis have decided to abstain from alcohol after learning of the link between alcohol and cancer. However, it shouldn’t take a cancer diagnosis for one to become aware of this risk. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, if this new advisory leads to a decrease in alcohol consumption, I think we will start to see a decline in certain cancers and cancer-related death in the next 10 years.”

The surgeon general, Dr. Murthy, released a new Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, outlining the direct link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk. Congress would have to approve a requirement to add cancer warning labels to alcoholic beverages.

In a statement, Dr. Murthy said: “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 U.S. – yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk. This advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimize harm.”

3^rd Leading Preventable Cause of Cancer

According to the U.S. Surgeon General's office, alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, trailing only tobacco use and obesity. In 2019, alcohol was responsible for nearly 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer-related deaths in the U.S. alone.

“There are several studies that now show a direct link between alcohol consumption and certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, and head and neck cancers,” Dr. Mautner explains. “The link appears to be incremental, so the more you drink the higher the risk. For example, the relative risk of breast cancer is increased by 7 percent for each additional 10 grams of alcohol consumed per day and the risk remains regardless of the type of alcohol consumed.

“Additionally, in women who have already had a breast cancer, cancer recurrence is higher in women who drink alcohol. It’s important for the public to be aware of this connection so that they can choose to abstain from alcohol as a direct way to lower their risk of cancer. “

Dr. Murthy’s recommended warning underscores that alcohol consumption—even at what is currently considered "moderate" levels—poses a serious risk for cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and several others.

The surgeon general is calling for labels on alcoholic beverages to clearly state the increased risks of cancers, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and several other malignancies linked to alcohol. This recommendation is not just about raising awareness, but also about addressing a critical gap in public understanding, the surgeon general’s office states.

The current guidelines from the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend that women limit themselves to one drink per day, while men are advised to stick to no more than two drinks. But recent data challenges the notion that moderate drinking is risk-free. Research reveals that even within these limits, alcohol consumption is linked to cancer risk.

For example, breast cancer is the most common alcohol-related cancer in women, accounting for roughly 44,000 cases in 2019. The surgeon general points out that many people assume drinking within these limits poses little to no health risk. But as Dr. Murthy highlights, the data does not support that assumption when it comes to cancer.

Globally, alcohol consumption was linked to 741,300 cancer cases in 2020, with a significant number of those cases arising from what most people would consider moderate drinking—roughly two drinks daily or fewer. This makes the need for clear, visible warning labels even more urgent.

The American Cancer Society (ACS)released a statement supporting the surgeon general’s recommendation. “The ACS supports these efforts to drive awareness of the correlation between alcohol and cancer diagnosis and death. According to ACS research, consumption of alcohol has a clear association with cancer diagnosis and death, with 6 percent of all cancers and 4 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States attributed to alcohol consumption.” In 2024, it is predicted that alcohol use will have contributed to 120,000 new cancer diagnoses and more than 24,000 deaths, the ACS states.

Public Awareness of Alcohol’s Cancer Risk

Despite this growing evidence, public awareness of alcohol's cancer risk remains low. A 2019 survey found that while 91 percent of Americans recognize tobacco use as a cancer risk factor, only 45 percent were aware of the link between alcohol and cancer. This awareness gap is troubling, as it suggests that many people may be unknowingly exposing themselves to cancer risks through daily alcohol consumption.

Labeling on alcoholic beverages with cancer warnings would follow a similar model to the warning labels on cigarette packs, which have been in place for decades. Such a move could make a substantial difference in public health by helping individuals make more informed decisions about alcohol consumption.

“It’s especially important for young people to pay attention to this advisory,” adds Dr. Mautner. “Teenagers and young adults are particularly susceptible alcohol induced DNA damage. We are seeing rising rates of breast and colorectal cancer in young adults. Perhaps, this advisory will sway more young adults to abstain from alcohol.”