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Should We All Stop Drinking Alcohol?

The former Surgeon General's report says booze is a top cause of cancer

By Michele C. Hollow

Is drinking that dangerous? According to a report from former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer behind tobacco and obesity. The report identifies seven different types of cancer directly related to alcohol consumption: breast, colorectal, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat and voice box.

People holding up glasses of red wine. Next Avenue, alcohol, cancer
Older studies suggested a glass or two of red wine a day might benefit heart health. "Newer research points to potential risks for some cardiovascular conditions, and I think more research is needed," Bo Qin, assistant professor, Department of Medicine at Rutgers Cancer Institute, says.  |  Credit: Kelsey Knight

The risk of getting cancer rises with increased alcohol consumption. This includes beer, wine and liquor. "It's clear that heavy or binge drinking is harmful, contributing to heart issues and other health issues," says Bo Qin, assistant professor, Department of Medicine at Rutgers Cancer Institute.

"Even moderate alcohol intake, one drink per day or fewer, can still increase the risk of certain cancers," she says. "The Surgeon General's report advocates for updating warning labels to reflect that alcohol causes cancer. I support this initiative because we need to translate scientific knowledge into awareness and action and let people make more informed decisions."

"The evidence linking alcohol to cancer is robust and clear: no amount of alcohol is considered safe for cancer prevention."

Older studies suggested a glass or two of red wine a day might benefit heart health. "Newer research points to potential risks for some cardiovascular conditions, and I think more research is needed," Qin says. "However, the evidence linking alcohol to cancer is robust and clear: no amount of alcohol is considered safe for cancer prevention."

"The Surgeon General's report, based on a broad range of studies on alcohol and cancer, shows strong evidence that alcohol consumption can increase cancer risk," Qin says. "The evidence is supported by experimental studies showing that alcohol causes DNA damage, disrupts hormones and promotes inflammation and oxidative stress."

Alcohol and Aging

As a cancer doctor and cancer survivor Anne Peled favors warning labels on alcoholic beverages. Peled is a breast cancer and plastic surgeon and co-director at Sutter Health Breast Cancer Center of Excellence. She says knowledge is power. "Data shows drinking more than one drink of any kind of alcohol per day for women and more than two drinks per day for men has negative health consequences," she says. "It's highlighted in the Surgeon General's warning."

Leslie Jones, 67, gave up drinking a year ago. It interfered with her allergy medication. "It made me incredibly sleepy," she says. "And if I went out with friends and had to drive, even one drink could make me a bit loopy. It's quite different from when I was in my 20s."

The National Institute on Aging reports a direct link between some medicines and alcohol. The report found drinking alcohol could affect balance, making older adults subject to falls. Too much alcohol can also worsen:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Ulcers
  • Memory loss
  • Mood disorders

Alcohol Alternatives

"I drink mocktails and nonalcoholic beers," says Vale, who, like some others in this story, didn't want to use her last name. "I don't always need alcohol. And there are health reasons such as cancer risk and calories. That said, I do enjoy a good glass of wine once in a while." When she does indulge, she sees an increase in her anxiety.

Charlene Chua says she doesn't abstain, but rarely drinks these days. "It tires me out and upsets my stomach," she says. "It's expensive and a lot of empty calories I don't need. And in social situations, I find I'd rather be sober."

She's tried a couple of mocktails, but says, "it was like having a $14 glass of 7-Up."

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Safer Sober

I, like many of my friends, don't indulge like I used to. I find red wine (which I prefer to white) and beer make me sleepy. Plus, the price is off putting. When I'm dining out, I would rather spend my money on a good chocolate dessert. A number of my female friends agree.

Andrew T. told me he'd consider ordering mocktails and nonalcoholic beer and wine if they weren't the same price as alcoholic beer and wine. He works in retail and sees a significant rise in the range and shelf space given to nonalcoholic beverages.

A number of booze-free bars have sprung up throughout the United States. Many traditional bars serve nonalcoholic alternatives. Alcohol-free bars are growing in popularity. "My friends and I want to hang out, meet people and stay sober," Mary Lee, 61, says. "It feels safer and I don't want those extra calories."

One of the newest alcohol-free bars Lee checked out with a couple of her friends was Hekate on Avenue B in New York City. "It's one of a few booze-free bars," she says. "It's a pretty place and drinks range from $6 to $15. It showed me it's fun to hang out in a bar without alcohol."

"If someone does not want to eliminate alcoholic beverages, reducing their frequency and portion size can be beneficial for cancer prevention."

But mocktails and nonalcoholic beverages aren't a healthy solution. These drinks may taste good, but, "some of these drinks contain large amounts of sugar, which comes with different health consequences," Peled says.

From a cancer prevention standpoint it's a good option. "Avoiding alcohol is the best way to reduce alcohol-related cancer risk," Qin says. "And reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption is especially beneficial for smokers."

Qin continues, "Many factors, such as culture and social settings, play a role in whether someone decides to drink or eliminate alcohol. If someone does not want to eliminate alcoholic beverages, reducing their frequency and portion size can be beneficial for cancer prevention, as evidence shows that the less you drink, the lower your cancer risk."

Michele C. Hollow Michele C. Hollow is a freelance writer, editor and ghostwriter specializing in health, climate, social justice, pets and travel. Her book, Jurassic Girl, about the life of paleontologist Mary Anning, was published in September 2024. Read More
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