Rethinking That Drink: New Cancer Warnings About Alcohol

A startling health alert from the U.S. Surgeon General is changing how we think about alcohol—that glass of wine with dinner or beer at happy hour may carry more risks than previously thought. Alcohol is now recognized as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in America, behind tobacco and obesity.

Alcohol: A Risk for All

"Many patients are surprised when they learn even moderate drinking can increase cancer risk," says Eldene Towey, MD, WMCHealth’s Section Chief of Addiction Psychiatry who is based at the Network’s MidHudson Regional Hospital. "While previous generations heard about potential heart benefits from moderate drinking, we now have compelling evidence linking alcohol to at least seven different types of cancer: breast, colorectal, esophageal, liver, mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx)."

The numbers are sobering: Alcohol contributes to approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer-related deaths annually in the U.S. What's particularly concerning is that this risk exists regardless of your drink choice—beer, wine or spirits can all contribute to cancer risk.

In light of these findings, the U.S. Surgeon General has recommended updating health warning labels on alcoholic beverages to include information about cancer risk.

Breast Cancer and Alcohol

One significant risk factor is the connection to breast cancer, with about one in six breast cancer cases linked to alcohol consumption. "What's crucial for people to understand is that there's no completely safe level when it comes to cancer risk," Dr. Towey explains. "While the risk increases with higher consumption, even light drinking can potentially raise the risk of certain cancers, particularly breast, mouth and throat cancers."

Ready to Act?

To reduce your risk, take the following steps:

• Talk to your healthcare provider about your personal risk factors
• Consider reducing alcohol consumption
• Remember: less alcohol means lower cancer risk
• Discuss any concerns about your drinking habits with your doctor

"For anyone concerned about their cancer risk, the best approach is to minimize alcohol consumption," says Dr. Towey. "If you choose to drink, understanding these risks can help you make more informed decisions about your health."

Have questions? Contact your WMCHealth healthcare provider to discuss your personal risk factors and get individualized guidance about alcohol consumption. You can also explore our Alcohol and Drug Dependency Program for more information.