The Surgeon General’s Alcohol Warning: What You Need to Know

In early January, the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., issued an advisory discussing the role of alcohol as a leading preventable cause of cancer, urging Americans to rethink their drinking habits.

Alcohol affects the body in many ways, leading to cancer, chronic diseases, along with mental health issues. Alcohol consumption is the leading preventable cause of cancer — for certain cancers like throat, mouth, and breast, evidence shows the risk may start to increase around one or fever drinks per day.

Alcohol causes DNA damage and can promote tumor growth

• When alcohol is metabolized, its converted into a toxic compound that directly damage the DNA leading to mutations that increase cancer risk
  • Alcohol can lead to disruption in essential vitamins like folate, which is necessary for DNA repair
  • Alcohol may lead to hormonal disruption and increase estrogen levels
  • Increased permeability in GI Tract by disruption of lining can allow harmful bacteria/toxins into the blood stream, contributing to inflammation and cancer development in organs like the liver and colon.

“This advisory highlight alcohol use as a leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, contributing to nearly 100,000 cancer cases and about 20,000 cancer deaths each year.”

Beyond Cancer: Alcohol’s Impact on Chronic Diseases & Mental Health

• While the risk of cancer is concerning, alcohol is also linked to:
  • Chronic Diseases:
    • Liver disease: alcohol metabolism causes excess fat accumulation, inflammation, and eventual fibrosis which can progress to serious liver problems such as cirrhosis
    • Cardiovascular Disease like high blood pressure and stroke: alcohol increases sympathetic nervous system leading to blood vessel constriction and can increase atherosclerosis
    • Obesity
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Alcohol affects neurotransmitters in your brain like GABA and glutamate, primary inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters. Chronic alcohol use can alter brain chemistry
    • Brain atrophy: long term alcohol use can cause neuronal shrinkage increasing the risk of cognitive impairment like Alzheimer’s
    • Sleep pattern changes due to disruption of REM and non-REM sleep
    • Cognitive decline: impaired cognitive abilities, difficulties in memory and decision making along with poor concentration and forgetfulness can happen as a result of alcohol use

How can you reduce your risk?

The Surgeon General’s advisory encourages the public to:

1. Limit Alcohol Intake: the less you drink, the lower your risk
2. Increase Awareness: many are unaware of the link between alcohol and cancer, the advisory works to create this awareness
3. Consider alcohol-free alternatives

For further information regarding the advisory. please visit: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/oash-alcohol-cancer-risk.pdf

References

“Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI) Application.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://nccd.cdc.gov/DPH_ARDI. Accessed 24 August 2024.

Esser MB, Sherk A, Liu Y, Henley SJ, Naimi TS. Reducing Alcohol Use to Prevent Cancer Deaths: Estimated Effects Among U.S. Adults. Am J Prev Med. 2024 Apr;66(4):725-729. doi: 10.1016/j. amepre.2023.12.003. PMID: 38514233; PMCID: PMC10963036

U.S. Surgeon Genera’s Advisory Committee on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, 2025.