Tag: Surgeon General

Alcohol and Cancer: What You Need to Know

As Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy warned about alcohol’s link to cancer, highlighting that many Americans are unaware of this risk. Alcohol is a significant preventable cancer cause, with various mechanisms contributing to its carcinogenic effects. Education is prioritized over prohibition, urging informed decision-making about alcohol consumption.

Before the end of his term as Surgeon General this year, Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory about alcohol and its association with cancer. Known as the “Nation’s Doctor”, the Surgeon General informs Americans about the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.

President Trump has appointed two physicians to become the new Surgeon General. The first nomination was withdrawn and the second is pending Senate confirmation.

In this post I explain what Dr. Murthy wanted Americans to know about the risk of alcohol drinking so we can make wise decisions about our personal alcohol use.

Alcohol-Leading Preventable Cause of Cancer

Alcohol use is common—in 2019-2020, 72% of U.S. adults reported they consumed one or more drinks per week. But less than half of U.S. adults are aware of the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.

The direct link between alcohol use and cancer was first established in the late 1980s, and evidence for this link has strengthened over time.

The risk of cancer is greater with larger amounts of daily alcohol consumption. However, since most people drink small or moderate amounts, there are many alcohol related cases in these groups.

The three leading preventable causes of cancer in the United States are tobacco use, obesity, and alcohol drinking.

Alcohol and Cancer Risk Advisory

How Alcohol Can Cause Cancer

First, alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde in the body. Acetaldehyde causes cancer by binding to and damaging DNA. When DNA is damaged, a cell can grow uncontrollably and create a cancerous tumor.

Second, alcohol creates “oxidative stress”, which increases inflammation and can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids in the body through a process called oxidation.

Third, alcohol alters hormone levels (including estrogen), which play a role in breast cancer.

Fourth, carcinogens from other sources, especially particles of tobacco smoke, can dissolve in alcohol, making it easier for them to be absorbed into the body, increasing the risk for mouth and throat cancers.

The best-established evidence is on the first two pathways of acetaldehyde and inflammation.

Hormonal regulation and alcohol as a solvent are widely thought to be important pathways for carcinogenesis but are not yet fully understood.

Research also continues on other possible mechanisms, including folate deficiency.

Men and Women are at Risk from Alcohol

Alcohol Associated Cancers

Alcohol drinking contributes to at least seven cancers, all of which are among the most common. These include cancers of the mouth and throat, the larynx (voice box), the esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breast in women.

Recommendations to Lower the Risk of Alcohol Related Cancer

The only way to completely eliminate the risk of cancer from alcohol use is to refrain from drinking alcohol. However, no one suggests we should make it illegal to make, sell, or drink alcohol.

The United States tried that in the early 20th century in what was known as Prohibition. But even laws did not stop the flow of alcohol so the law was repealed.

Now the emphasis is on education so people know the risk and make informed decisions about their alcohol use. There are warning labels on bottles of alcohol, for other health-related risks.

In the U.S., pursuant to 27 U.S.C. 215, every alcoholic beverage sold in the United States must currently have the following health warning label: “GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.”

This label statement has remained unchanged since its inception in 1988.The power to change the label statement lies with Congress.

Given the conclusive evidence on the cancer risk from alcohol consumption, the Surgeon General recommends an update to the Surgeon General’s warning label for alcohol-containing beverages to include a cancer risk warning.

What you can do to lower your cancer risk

People who are already at increased risk of certain cancers will want to consider their alcohol use carefully. For example, people with a family history of colon cancer may want to drink minimal amounts, if at all.

Women who have had breast cancer may want to refrain from any alcohol use. Talk to your doctor about your cancer risk factors and any behaviors that put you at increased risk.

Assess your drinking behavior and the need for change at this link

RETHINKING DRINKING

You can read the full advisory and find other resources at this link from HHS.

Alcohol and Cancer Risk

Information about breast cancer in a previous post

Observing Breast Cancer Awareness

In October, awareness of breast cancer is highlighted. This common cancer affects both women and men, with various types identified. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle. Early detection and preventive measures can significantly improve outcomes, emphasizing the need for education and support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.'s avatar by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

This blog post discusses how to apply statistics to understand risk.

Post Images

The graphics in this post are from the HHS website, Office of the Surgeon General.

A post about the former Surgeon General

Dr. Murthy’s Parting Prescription

In this post I review outgoing U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s “Parting Prescription for America” . He reminds us of the importance of rebuilding community through relationships, service, and purpose. The erosion of community leads to disconnection and poor health. Dr. Murthy advocates for a cultural shift towards fulfillment and connection as a path…

Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.'s avatar by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

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Dr. Murthy’s Parting Prescription

In this post I review outgoing U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s “Parting Prescription for America” . He reminds us of the importance of rebuilding community through relationships, service, and purpose. The erosion of community leads to disconnection and poor health. Dr. Murthy advocates for a cultural shift towards fulfillment and connection as a path to overall well-being.

Our outgoing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has offered final thoughts and a “prescription” for health for our country and for each of us.

He titled it Parting Prescription for America.

In a previous post, I reviewed his career and the health issues he addressed as the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States. Here is a summary of the news release from HHS and a link to his article.

As He Concludes His Second Tenure, 21st U.S. Surgeon General Issues Parting Prescription for America

A week before leaving office, United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released his Parting Prescription for America – PDF. In it he reflects on his personal and professional experiences as our nation’s Surgeon General.

Dr. Vivek Murthy

Throughout his service, Dr. Murthy tried to understand the root causes of pain and unhappiness across our country. As a physician, he believes that health involves more than tests and medications. It includes time to listen and focus on the whole person. As America’s Doctor, he took a similar approach to the nation.

After years of hearing stories from thousands of Americans, reviewing scientific data, and meeting researchers, Dr. Murthy found the sense of community among many Americans had eroded.

In the Surgeon General’s Parting Prescription Dr. Murthy shares his conclusions.

Americans can cultivate health, happiness, and fulfillment by rebuilding community, centered around relationships, service, and purpose.

“Today, we are faced with a profound choice: do we continue with the status quo, marked by pain, disconnection, and division?

Or do we choose a different path—one of joy, health, and fulfillment, where we turn toward each other instead of away from each other; where we choose love over fear; where we recognize community as the irreplaceable foundation for our well-being?

As I finish my tenure as Surgeon General, this is my parting prescription, my final wish for all of us: choose community.”

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy

relationships, service, and purpose create an “ecosystem of meaning and belonging”
that are essential for the “triad of fulfillment”.

Dr. Murthy

In contrast, modern culture has become increasingly centered on the triad of success defined by fame, money, and power. We need a cultural shift that moves us toward fulfillment.

In his Prescription, the Surgeon General details each element and how they impact our health:

A Prescription for Relationships

Relationships are the connections we build with friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and others. Healthy relationships where we feel seen and can be ourselves create joy and lessen stress.

When we lack meaningful relationships, we experience loneliness. A third of adults and half of young people experience loneliness.

Being socially disconnected increases our risk of heart disease, dementia, depression, anxiety, and premature death.

A Prescription for Service

Service includes actions we take that benefit others. But service can have profound benefits to the person serving.

Studies show that service reduces our risk of hypertension, stroke, early death, depression, and cognitive decline. In service, we feel more connected to others.

A Prescription for Purpose

Purpose is an overarching life aim guiding our decisions and actions. It’s not “what” we do, rather “why” we do it.

Purpose supports our physical and mental health. A high sense of individual purpose may reduce the risk of early death, stroke, lung disease, and dementia.

People with a powerful sense of purpose experience lower levels of depression and anxiety and greater resilience in the face of stress.

Dr. Murthy urged Americans to recenter their lives around relationships, service, and purpose – the triad of fulfillment. He calls for a shift in culture, policy, and programs to strengthen community as the critical path to health, happiness, and fulfillment.

Read the complete Parting Prescription for America here.
my-parting-prescription-for-americaDownload
The illustrations in this post were created by the AI feature of WordPress. They are not associated with Dr. Murthy’s article.

Coincidentally, Dr. Murthy shares a first name with Vivek Ganapathy Ramaswamy, an American entrepreneur and politician. He founded Roivant Sciences pharmaceutical company. Ramaswamy was a Republican candidate in the 2024 presidential election. He withdrew his candidacy and supported Donald Trump.  Wikipedia

Exploring the HEART of Health

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha

Dr. Vivek H. Murthy-Our “Family” Doctor

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, serving since March 2021, addresses public health crises, including mental health, addiction, and social isolation, while advocating for healthier connections.The Surgeon General’s recent report highlights alcohol as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S.

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