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Recovering alcoholics share a painful reality - most have watched their friends and loved ones die from alcohol-related illnesses. Unfortunately, most Americans who are not in recovery may not realize the overwhelming dangers of the normal use of alcohol.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued a new advisory that highlights the direct link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer. This advisory, released on January 3, 2025, underscores the necessity for updated public health strategies and labeling regulations to inform Americans about the preventable risks associated with alcohol. The advisory, first made public through a news release last Friday, identifies alcohol as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, following tobacco and obesity.

Despite longstanding awareness within scientific circles about alcohol's carcinogenic potential, Dr. Murthy notes that "the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk," which contributes to approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S. "Alcohol, whether in the form of beer, wine, or spirits, is a well-established cause of seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, esophageal, liver, mouth, throat, and laryngeal cancers," explained Dr. Murthy in his public statement. The link between alcohol and cancer remains constant across different types of alcoholic beverages, presenting a significant health risk that grows with increased consumption.

Critical to addressing these issues, Dr. Murthy's advisory recommends updating the current Surgeon General's health warnings on alcoholic beverage labels. Since 1988, guidelines have predominantly focused on risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy and its effects on one's ability to operate machinery. The proposal aims to integrate warnings about the cancer risks directly on these labels, a change requiring Congressional approval.

Highlighting the urgency of reassessing alcohol consumption guidelines, the advisory suggests limiting consumption in consideration of cancer risk factors. Current guidelines allow women up to one drink per day and men up to two, yet the latest evidence indicates that even within these limits, the risk for certain cancers, such as breast cancer, can rise. "It is vital for individuals to understand that even moderate drinking can pose significant risks to their health," stated Dr. Murthy. In addition to updating labels, the advisory calls for enhanced educational efforts by health professionals.

Alcohol raises estrogen levels in the body and increases breast cancer risk. Even light drinkers face a 1.04-fold higher risk of breast cancer than non-drinkers. Heavy drinkers' risk jumps to 1.6-fold.

According to the American Cancer Research Institute, breast cancer is the leading cause of alcohol-attributable cancer deaths for women, accounting for about 4,700-7,300 deaths annually (15 percent of all breast cancer deaths). Each alcohol-attributable death results in an average loss of 17 to 19 years of potential life. The investigators estimated the years of life lost by analyzing alcohol sales and mortality data.

The Surgeon General Report encourages doctors to inform patients about the link between alcohol and cancer and to promote screenings and interventions when necessary. This educational push is intended to bolster public awareness and reduce alcohol-related cancer cases, emphasizing the need for "proven alcohol reduction strategies" in public health initiatives. The advisory also brings attention to the complex interaction of various factors, including biological, environmental, social, and economic, that influence an individual's cancer risk due to alcohol consumption. This multifaceted approach underscores the Surgeon General's comprehensive strategy to tackle one of the significant preventable causes of cancer in the nation.

Nonetheless, this advisory's recommendations are somewhat at odds with earlier findings, such as those from a recent review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). While recognizing moderate alcohol as a potential risk factor for cancer, NASEM also noted some cardiovascular benefits linked to limited alcohol consumption. This divergence in findings underscores the complexity of public health messaging in balancing cancer prevention with other health considerations.

The release of this advisory comes at a pivotal moment, as the nation observes "Dry January," a month-long period where many Americans reduce or abstain from alcohol consumption. The timing may propel more individuals to consider the long-term health benefits of limiting alcohol intake. Dr. Murthy's tenure as Surgeon General is nearing its conclusion, with President-elect Donald Trump announcing Janette Nesheiwat as his nominee for the next Surgeon General. As the U.S. prepares for a potential shift in public health leadership, Dr. Murthy's advisory could set a precedent for how alcohol-related health risks are communicated to the public in the future.

THE SWIFTY PROBLEM

Nearly 200,000 deaths per year can be attributed to Alcohol consumption in the United States. More alarming is that 78000 Americans are diagnosed with alcohol-related cancer, which claims the lives of 19000 men and women annually. The misconception is that only alcoholics and substance abusers suffer from alcohol-related cancers, which is not true. Most Americans have no idea of that. The problem is amplified as American sports leagues and celebrities continue to promote and encourage the consumption of cancer-causing alcohol through heavy advertising without providing adequate warnings of the risks.

Politically vocal celebrities like George Clooney, Taylor Swift, Travis Kelsy, Jay-Z, and Beyonce Knowles often express their opinions on American politics. These Celebrities have exclusive influence that can sway the course of political events. These celebrities may have a myriad of political concerns but seem to ignore Public Health, especially in impoverished and underserved communities that have higher levels of alcohol consumption.

George Clooney, a prominent voice in political advocacy, owns the alcohol brand Casamigos Tequila. While Clooney may have valid political positions, his ownership of a product that can cause harm raises questions about his sincerity in promoting public interest. His desire to profit from selling a beverage deadly substance appears to take precedence over his commitment to the greater good.

Beyonce Knowles, a renowned singer and performer, was also politically opinionated during the 2024 Presidential election. However, she was less vocal about her husband Jay-Z's ownership of D’USSÉ Cognac. This raises the question of whether Beyonce should be more concerned about her and her husband's business dealings than Election Politics, considering the potential impact on the health of the American people.

Travis Kelse, AKA Mr. Taylor Swift, not only supports and represents Casa Azul Tequila but is also an investor in Garage Beer. It is interesting to note that while Taylor Swift, much like Beyonce, has been politically vocal about various social issues, Swift appears to overlook the fact that her boyfriend has multiple financial interests in an industry that tragically contributes to approximately 140,000 deaths annually. This raises questions about the alignment of Swift’s beliefs and actions.

Imagine the tremendous impact it would have if renowned figures such as George Clooney, Beyoncé Knowles, Jay-Z, Kelsey Grammer, or Taylor Swift were to publicly endorse a powerful public service announcement aimed at raising awareness about the perils of alcohol consumption. With their immense popularity and influence, these celebrities possess the ability to reach millions of individuals and effectively communicate the alarming statistics surrounding alcohol-related cancers. However, it is unfortunate that their substantial financial interests or existing affiliations with the alcohol industry may hinder their willingness to utilize their voices and platforms to advocate for responsible alcohol use and educate the masses about its potential dangers.

This gap between alcohol's deadly nature and its glamorized cultural status creates a dangerous blind spot in public health.

Alcohol-related cancers are not limited to specific regions or populations; they affect people from all walks of life. By shedding light on the hidden cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption, influential figures like Taylor Swift could play a crucial role in changing societal norms and promoting responsible drinking habits. It is essential to educate the masses about the potential dangers and encourage individuals to make informed choices regarding their alcohol intake. Together, we can work towards reducing the staggering number of alcohol-related cancer cases and saving countless lives.

Normalization of Alcohol Consumption in America

Alcohol has become deeply ingrained in our culture. Our daily lives show how drinking has become normalized through various means. For instance, sports events and media advertising play a significant role in promoting alcohol consumption.

The NFL, NBA, and MLB promote alcohol through huge advertising deals that make drinking seem normal in our society. Bud Light, the NFL's official beer, is believed to pay each NFL team about 7 million dollars annually for the title.

Social media trends, such as the popular "wine mom" culture, further contribute to the normalization of drinking. Moreover, workplace happy hours and company events create an environment where alcohol is readily available and encouraged. Lastly, college drinking traditions perpetuate the acceptance and prevalence of alcohol consumption among young adults.

By acknowledging the link between cultural acceptance and Cancer risk, we can work towards creating a healthier and more responsible drinking culture. This includes implementing stricter regulations on alcohol marketing, promoting education about the dangers of alcohol consumption, and fostering supportive environments that discourage excessive drinking. Only through collective efforts can we break free from the harmful cycle of cultural normalization and pave the way for a safer and more balanced relationship with alcohol.

In a concerning trend related to the normalization of alcohol use, hospital admissions for alcohol-related conditions now surpass those for heart attacks. This trend is exacerbated by the targeted marketing strategies employed by alcohol companies, which specifically aim at specific demographics. Individuals under the age of 21 are exposed to a greater extent to marketing campaigns promoting flavored alcoholic beverages compared to adults.

Marginalized racial and ethnic Communities are subjected to targeted advertising within their communities. The consequences of the cultural acceptance of alcohol also extend far beyond individual health, as families crumble, careers disintegrate, and lives are tragically cut short due to the normalization of excessive drinking. Studies have confirmed that workplace drinking cultures blur the boundaries surrounding alcohol use, leading to severe problems for both employees and employers alike.

While the Surgeon General's report is primarily focused on the health risks of alcohol use, the sociological impact is also devastating. The report does not take into account the significant impact that alcohol has as a "gateway" substance, leading individuals to the use of other deadly substances like fentanyl.

It also fails to acknowledge that approximately 32% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drivers who were under the influence of alcohol, with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .08 g/dL or higher. The devastating consequences of these preventable crashes are evident, with a staggering 13,524 lives lost in 2022 alone. Tragically, this is not an isolated incident, as an average of 11,000 people have lost their lives each year from 2013 to 2022 due to drunk-driving crashes. The need for effective measures to combat this issue and protect innocent lives is undeniable.

Lack of Strong Regulations on Alcohol as a Carcinogenic Substance.

Strict rules exist for junk food labels and tobacco, yet alcohol companies face few restrictions despite causing 140,000 deaths each year.

Alcohol companies have labels on bottles that say drink. “GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery and may cause health problems.”

In stark contrast, cigarette labels are required to state: “SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, And May Complicate Pregnancy. SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Quitting Smoking Now Greatly Reduces Serious Risks to Your Health. SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Smoking By Pregnant Women May Result in Fetal Injury, Premature Birth, And Low Birth Weight. SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Cigarette Smoke Contains Carbon Monoxide.”

There is a prevailing stigma surrounding cigarettes and their association with cancer, a stigma that alcohol has somehow managed to evade. It is not surprising, then, that individuals who have successfully overcome alcohol addiction are not taken aback by the recent report from the Surgeon General, which highlights the link between alcohol consumption and various types of cancer. This report serves as a reminder of the potential health risks that can accompany alcohol use and reinforces the importance of maintaining sobriety.

These preventable deaths show how society celebrates alcohol despite its dangers. Research proves alcohol causes cancer, but this information rarely reaches the public. The time has come to treat alcohol like other harmful substances that need health warnings to protect our future generations.

The Bottom Line

As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of alcohol addiction and successfully overcome it, I can confidently attest to the fact that it is indeed possible to lead a truly fulfilling life without relying on alcohol. Since I decided to stop drinking, alcohol has gradually lost its significance in my daily existence. It rarely crosses my mind anymore, and I no longer feel the need to depend on it for any aspect of my life. The positive effects of this transformation have been remarkable. Not only have I shed a considerable amount of weight, but I have also managed to regain control over my diabetes, resulting in a significant improvement in my overall health and well-being.

Alcoholics have first-hand experience with the destructive consequences of the cultural normalization of alcohol. Their experiences serve as valuable lessons for the rest of society to recognize the dangers of the regular consumption of alcohol and the need for change.

I consider myself incredibly fortunate. Even though my alcoholism had detrimental effects on my health,. The health impacts I experienced were reversible and controllable. It was a challenging journey, but I was able to overcome my struggles with alcohol thanks to the exceptional medical care I received after being diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder/Substance Use Disorder (AUD/SUD). This experience has made me acutely aware of the stark contrast between my access to rehabilitation services and the unfortunate reality faced by the average American who indulges in a few beers or glasses of wine every night.

Unlike me, these individuals do not have the same level of accessibility to the necessary medical care, information, and support that can help them address their alcohol use. It is disheartening to think that such vital knowledge about the potential dangers associated with regular alcohol consumption is not reaching those who need it the most ironically - the non - Alcoholic community. The average American is left uninformed and unaware of the potential risks they may be exposing themselves to serious cancer risks.

The lack of access and dissemination of crucial medical information is a significant concern, as it prevents individuals from making informed decisions about their alcohol consumption. Without proper guidance and support, they may unknowingly put their health at risk. We must address this issue and work towards ensuring that everyone has equal access to the necessary resources for overcoming alcohol use disorders. By doing so, we can help prevent the long-term negative consequences that can arise from regular alcohol consumption and promote a healthier society for all.