Why does the US surgeon general want cancer warnings on alcohol bottles? | Health News | Al
On Sunday, January 12, 2025, a new report by the U.S. Surgeon General revealed a startling finding: even one alcoholic drink a day significantly increases the risk of cancer. This advisory has sparked conversations across the country, including in Spokane, where the balance between alcohol’s social benefits and its health risks is being hotly debated.
Annie McGuinness, co-owner of Spokane’s Patera Temperance Lounge, shared her perspective while preparing a nonalcoholic Lavender Libation for her patrons. McGuinness believes that people love the connections they make while sharing a drink, and her lounge provides the same social atmosphere—just without alcohol.
The Surgeon General’s advisory points to about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually in the U.S. linked to alcohol consumption. Despite these alarming statistics, public awareness remains low. In 2019, only 45% of Americans acknowledged a connection between alcohol use and cancer.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, emphasized the need for better education about the risks, stating, “The majority of Americans are unaware of this risk.” The report urges labeling alcoholic beverages with cancer warnings, much like cigarette packaging. However, congressional approval would be required to implement such changes.
John Bryant, owner of Spokane’s No-Li Brewery, acknowledged the risks but also highlighted the mental and social benefits of moderate drinking. “You can’t just focus on the cancer risk,” Bryant said. “You have to consider how alcohol can foster community and dialogue.”
The cancer risk increases with alcohol consumption, and the type of drink—be it wine, beer, or liquor—doesn’t matter. The link between alcohol and cancers such as breast, liver, and mouth cancers is now firmly established. For women, the impact is especially stark, as alcohol-related breast cancer deaths account for more than 60% of cases.
Dr. Bret Gourley of the MultiCare Cancer Institute compared the cancer risk of alcohol to tobacco, calling it an opportunity for individuals to re-evaluate their habits.
In response to the growing awareness, Spokane’s beverage industry has seen a rise in nonalcoholic options. Black Label Brewing Company’s owner, Dan Dvorak, noted a surge in demand for NA beers, which he plans to expand in the coming months. He credits the COVID-19 pandemic and generational shifts for making health-conscious choices more mainstream.
“I’m not surprised by the report,” Dvorak said. “We’ve always known alcohol isn’t healthy, but people are now making smarter choices.”
McGuinness, who stopped drinking in 2022, sees parallels between the decline of smoking and the changing attitudes toward alcohol. While she doesn’t expect alcohol to disappear, she believes nonalcoholic drinks will become more widely available and celebrated.
For Spokane residents, this report is a call to reflect on their drinking habits. Whether choosing to cut back, switch to nonalcoholic options, or continue enjoying moderate consumption, the Surgeon General’s findings add new weight to the conversation.
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