As the U.S. Surgeon General’s new advisory on alcohol and its cancer risks makes waves, many are questioning whether it’s possible to “sip smartly” in a world where the pleasures of drinking come with growing caution.
Earlier this month, Dr. Vivek Murthy highlighted alcohol’s role in approximately 100,000 cancer cases annually in the U.S., urging consumers to understand the risks. Alcohol is a known cause of several types of cancer, including those of the breast, liver, and mouth. Yet, for most, alcohol remains a social and cultural staple, prompting questions about responsible consumption in light of these health warnings.
For decades, scientists have studied the link between alcohol and various cancers, particularly breast cancer, a connection first identified in the 1980s. Dr. Mack Mitchell, a gastroenterologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has been at the forefront of this research. “The relationship between alcohol and cancer is well-established,” he said, pointing to the biological mechanisms behind alcohol-induced inflammation and DNA damage. “Alcohol affects hormonal changes, especially in estrogen, contributing to breast cancer risk.”
However, alcohol consumption, especially in moderation, has long been thought to offer some health benefits, such as improving heart health. The “French Paradox” in the 1990s, which suggested the regular consumption of red wine contributed to low heart disease rates despite a high-fat diet, sparked global interest in alcohol’s possible health perks. Yet, no conclusive evidence has backed the idea that moderate drinking can extend life, with recent studies showing that those who drink in moderation are no more likely to live longer than abstainers.
A 2024 review of 107 studies found that moderate drinkers—those who consume one to two drinks daily—did show a slightly lower risk of dying during the study period. However, this connection disappeared when high-quality studies, particularly those involving younger participants, were considered. “Socioeconomic factors play a huge role in the health outcomes of alcohol consumption,” noted Dr. Mitchell. “The benefits of moderate drinking may be more related to social status and lifestyle than the alcohol itself.”
Current U.S. guidelines advise no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women, but these recommendations are based on outdated standards. As many alcoholic beverages now contain higher concentrations of alcohol—some beers and spirits clock in at 8% to 16% alcohol—these guidelines may not accurately reflect the potency of modern drinks. Professor Matthew Rossheim from the University of North Texas Health Science Center emphasized that current products often exceed the alcohol content typical of a “standard drink.”
So, with the Surgeon General’s new warning in mind, should you stop drinking altogether? Experts suggest that if you don’t currently drink, it’s best not to start. If you do drink, staying within established guidelines and consulting with your healthcare provider is recommended, as your personal risk factors—such as age, genetics, and lifestyle—will affect your risk. Dr. Mitchell also encourages using initiatives like Dry January to reassess your alcohol consumption and its role in your life.
In conclusion, while there’s no “safe” level of alcohol consumption, staying informed, moderating intake, and taking stock of your health risks may offer a balanced approach to enjoying alcohol in the current climate of heightened awareness.
