U.S. Surgeon General Calls for Cancer Warning Labels on Alcoholic Drinks

The U.S. Surgeon General has advised that alcoholic drinks should carry warning labels about cancer risks, as alcohol is a leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., linked to seven types of cancer. Current guidelines may need reassessment to help consumers make informed drinking choices.

The U.S. Surgeon General has issued an advisory calling for alcoholic drinks to carry warning labels about their cancer risks. In the advisory, it was noted that alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of developing several cancers, including breast, colon, and liver cancer.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy emphasized the need to reassess guidelines on alcohol consumption so individuals can consider cancer risks alongside other warnings. The advisory led to a fall in shares for U.S.-listed alcoholic beverage companies, with Brown-Forman Corp experiencing the most significant decline.

The report highlighted that alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, with about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually attributable to alcohol. The report calls for increased awareness and screening by health professionals.

(With inputs from agencies.)