WASHINGTON – Alcoholic beverages should be labeled as carcinogenic, just like cigarettes, according to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, a top U.S. health authority.
According to Murthy, alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing breast, colon, liver and other cancers. In addition to the label, he also proposes that current recommendations on alcohol consumption be revised, with cancer risk in mind. His advice applies to all types of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine and spirits.
“Alcohol use is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity,” Murthy’s statement said. Alcohol is responsible for 100,000 cases of cancer in the U.S. and 20,000 cancer deaths each year. That’s more than the 13,500 alcohol-related traffic deaths.
‘The nation’s doctor’
Medical insights into alcohol consumption have changed significantly in recent years. For a long time, it was assumed that light alcohol consumption actually reduced the risk of certain conditions, such as stroke. However, more recent research has shown that moderate drinking is also harmful.
The surgeon general is also called ‘the nation’s doctor’ and is appointed by the president. Like the president, the position has a four-year term.
