U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, has advised against the consumption of alcohol in a recent advisory on Jan. 3, citing risk of cancer. The issued statement called for a warning about the risk of cancer to be included on alcoholic beverages.
“Given the conclusive evidence on the cancer risk from alcohol consumption and the Office of the Surgeon General’s responsibility to inform the American public of the best available scientific evidence, the Surgeon General recommends an update to the Surgeon General’s warning label for alcohol-containing beverages to include a cancer risk warning,” Murthy stated in the advisory.
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The advisory also highlighted that alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity.
“Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States — greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the U.S. — yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk,” Murthy noted.
The surgeon general is the nation’s top public health official, responsible for overseeing public health initiatives and providing leadership in matters related to health and wellness. This role is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and holds a significant amount of influence in the promotion of public health policies, as well as in shaping national health priorities.
Murthy also serves as the nation’s doctor, offering guidance on a wide range of health issues, including disease prevention, mental health, substance abuse, and general wellness. One of the key duties of the surgeon general is to issue health advisories and reports on public health concerns, much like the “Surgeon General’s Report” on smoking or the more recent focus on mental health and the opioid crisis.
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Appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate, the surgeon general serves as a four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS), a uniformed service of the federal government, although the role itself is primarily civilian.
Dr. Murthy was appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed in 2021. This is actually his second term in office, having previously served under President Barack Obama from 2014 to 2017.
Murthy has been active in addressing the public health issues surrounding alcohol use and its societal impact. As part of his broader public health efforts, he has focused on raising awareness about alcohol misuse, the risks of alcohol-related harm, and the importance of prevention and treatment.
In his work, Murthy has emphasized the importance of early intervention, education, and support systems for those struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). He has also called for more research into alcohol’s effects on public health and for increased access to treatment options.
Dr. Murthy’s stance is clear: while moderate drinking may be socially accepted, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to health, and efforts must be made to reduce alcohol-related harm across the country. He has used his platform to encourage public health policies that limit alcohol abuse and to improve awareness of its potential harms.