Earlier this month, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the United States Surgeon General, released an advisory report warning that alcohol consumption can cause cancer. The report cites a growing number of studies pointing to the harmful effects of drinking alcohol. Cancer from alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S. after tobacco and obesity, but surveys show less than half of Americans recognize it as a risk factor. The report describes research linking alcohol to an increased risk of seven cancers: breast, colorectal, esophageal, liver, mouth, throat and larynx. The risk increases the more a person drinks with the risk for certain cancers like breast and throat rising with as few as one or fewer drinks per day.
Murthy recommended updated warning labels on alcoholic beverage packaging to raise consumer awareness of alcohol’s link to cancer. Current warning labels instruct consumers to avoid drinking alcohol when pregnant and not to operate heavy machinery when drinking. These labels have not been updated since 1988 and do not reflect the cancer concerns. A new warning label would require Congressional approval. Some experts believe that warning labels could be useful in raising awareness about the negative health effects of consuming alcohol as part of a comprehensive approach to alcohol harm reduction. Many Americans are confused as to whether an occasional drink, especially red wine, is good for them or bad for them.
Alcohol is known to cause cancer in four ways, one of which is its metabolism into acetaldehyde, which damages DNA. Alcohol consumption also creates unstable molecules and depletes nutrients such as B vitamins and folate that may help protect the body against cancer. While alcohol increases cancer risk for both sexes, the risk is higher for women. Body size and body fat are factors that work against women when it comes to alcohol-related cancers. The surgeon general’s report calls for guideline limits for alcohol to be assessed to account for cancer risk and seeks to raise awareness among consumers as they decide whether or how much to drink.
A representative from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States maintains that the alcoholic beverage industry has long informed consumers about the potential risks of the consumption of alcohol. According to the industry response, many lifestyle choices carry potential risks, and it is the federal government’s role to review the entire body of scientific studies to determine what, if any, updated warnings may be necessary. Younger consumers are already drinking less and are more likely to skip drinking altogether or follow Dry January trends.
Currently it is estimated that about 70% of Americans consume alcohol at least once a week. Adding a cancer warning would highlight a severe health concern with these products and certainly impact the alcoholic beverage industry. According to various sources, the United States alcoholic beverage market was valued at around $415 billion in 2024. Other countries are also examining the linkages between alcohol consumption and cancer, with Ireland requiring a cancer advisory label starting in 2026.
About the Author

Julie Holt is a subject matter expert in the areas of food and beverage, additives and regulatory strategy. Ms. Holt’s expertise includes the beverage industry, with current consulting support across multiple beverage categories.
Holt has more than 25+ years of regulatory experience in the food and food ingredients industries and managed her own advisory firm, Scientific & Regulatory Solutions LLC, prior to joining FoodChain ID. As a consultant, she supported several food and beverage clients including a Fortune 50 company. Holt has provided global regulatory knowledge covering more than 200 countries. Her consulting efforts have supported global regulatory needs, R&D projects, sustainability goals and innovation initiatives.