the truth about alcohol and cancer.
The Surgeon General warns: alcohol raises cancer risk—time to rethink drinking
Dry January is here—a month-long challenge to pause alcohol consumption, reset habits, and focus on health. I embraced Dry January in 2024 and found it so transformative that I extended it through the entire year, only having a glass of wine on one or two special occasions, like a wedding or celebration.
Now, just three days into 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General has issued a sobering advisory that might inspire many to turn their Dry January into a Dry 2025: alcohol is directly linked to an increased risk of at least seven types of cancer.
Reconsidering Our Relationship With Alcohol
According to the U.S. Surgeon General recently advisory: alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, contributing to about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer-related deaths each year.
Despite these risks, less than half of Americans are aware of alcohol’s connection to cancer.
This lack of awareness is concerning, especially given the data. Drinking any amount of alcohol—beer, wine, or liquor—can raise your risk for cancers of the breast (for women), liver, mouth, throat, esophagus, colon, and rectum. And the more you drink, the greater your risk.
While heavy drinking is the biggest concern, the Surgeon General makes it clear that even light to moderate drinking increases cancer risk. This should prompt all of us to pause and think about how we approach alcohol.
The Science Is Clear: Less Is Better
For years, we’ve heard mixed messages about alcohol, with some studies suggesting it might reduce heart disease risk. I remember learning about these supposed "benefits" early in my medical training—some studies even claimed wine could extend life. But much of that older research was flawed.
Many of those studies were observational, showing correlations but not cause and effect. People who consume minimal to moderate amounts of alcohol often have healthier lifestyles—they exercise more, eat better, and have socioeconomic advantages—all of which reduce disease risk. These factors, not alcohol itself, were likely the true drivers of better health outcomes.
Newer research tells a different story: even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of cancers and other health problems, while the heart benefits were overstated.
The Surgeon General’s report emphasizes the need for change, including adding cancer risk warnings to alcohol labels and updating U.S. guidelines to reflect the evidence. Raising public awareness through education and conversations with healthcare providers is a key step.
As a mental health doctor, I’ve seen how alcohol can affect both physical and emotional health—disrupting sleep, increasing anxiety, and sometimes worsening depression. With the added cancer risks, it’s worth rethinking our approach to drinking.
What Can You Do? Drink Mindfully
This isn’t about saying alcohol has no place in our lives. For many, it’s part of celebrating, relaxing, or connecting with others. The key is to approach it mindfully—being fully aware of the risks and intentional about when and why you drink.
When you choose to drink, consider asking yourself:
Why am I drinking?
How much feels right for me?
Setting limits, taking alcohol-free days, or exploring non-alcoholic alternatives are great steps to create a healthier relationship with alcohol. I know it can feel challenging to skip alcohol at events where everyone seems to be drinking—I’ve been there myself. My wife and I have started bringing alcohol-free beers to gatherings, and we’ve noticed how popular alcohol-free options like mocktails and non-alcoholic beers have become. Many bars and restaurants now offer these choices, making it easier to cut back without feeling out of place.
The Surgeon General’s advisory highlights an important truth: rethinking how we approach alcohol is one of the simplest ways to protect our health.
Drinking less—or taking a mindful approach—can help us align our choices with long-term well-being. It’s not about perfection; it’s about balance and awareness.
Closing Thought
Alcohol is deeply ingrained in our culture, but as new evidence emerges, it’s time to adapt. Let’s work toward a healthier relationship with alcohol—one that prioritizes our well-being and acknowledges the risks.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on The Surgeon General’s report. Should we add cancer risk warnings to alcohol labels? What are your intentions with alcohol this year?
Thank you for reading.
I’m so grateful you’re here. Thank you for investing in your health and taking steps toward a balanced life. We’re in this together.
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Sources:
Alcohol and Cancer Risk 2025 The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory
Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content shared is based on evidence-supported research and my personal experiences but is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your personal doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before starting new treatments, making changes to your health routine, or addressing specific medical concerns. This content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. While I strive for accuracy, the information may not apply to your unique situation.
Wishing you balance, health, and peace.
Dr. Jake
The fact is that ethanol is a poison, and poisons aren’t good for people, even in subclinical doses. We may have to put up with a certain amount of unavoidable toxins, such as pollutants in the air we breathe, because we need the oxygen. I fail to see any similar health upside to beer, wine, and liquor. There’s not enough resveratrol in red wine to justify drinking it.
The World Health Organizations says, “No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health.”
The American Cancer Society says, “Alcohol use accounts for about 6% of all cancers and 4% of all cancer deaths in the United States.”
The American Heart Association “does not recommend drinking wine or any other form of alcohol to gain potential health benefits.”
Once you know that alcohol, even in small amounts, is bad for you, if giving it up is something that you want to do, you’ll find a way to do it. Or, you can find excuses to keep drinking.
The bigger question I see: if radiation is the biggest risk of cancer, where is this exposure coming from? Should our cell phone use come under bigger discussion as it’s almost double the risk of alcohol?