Dear Iris: Warning on Alcohol from US Surgeon General
Dear Iris,
I recently heard about the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on the link between alcohol and seven types of cancer. Over the holidays, I had a drink to toast the new year. Should I be worried about doing something like this?
B
Dear B,
It's understandable to wonder if it’s safe to drink alcohol after hearing about the U.S. Surgeon General’s latest advisory on the link between alcohol and cancer. The advisory states that there is a well-established, direct link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of at least seven types of cancer, including those of the breast, colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx). This risk seems to happen no matter what type of alcohol is consumed - be it beer, wine, or spirits.
That said, having a drink now and then, like toasting the new year, is unlikely to be a cause for concern. It's the regular and/or excessive consumption of alcohol over time that most significantly raises cancer risk. Having one drink on a special occasion does not dramatically increase your risk in the same way as drinking on a regular basis can.
If you do drink often, the advisory suggests reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can lower your risk for several types of cancer. So, while a single drink is not something to be overly worried about, it's important to be mindful of how often and how much you drink over time. As always, it’s best to consult with your doctor to get specific guidance around if and how alcohol consumption may affect you, personally.
Stephanie Meyers, MS, RD, LDN
Senior Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist
Iris Oncology
Stephanie Meyers is a Senior Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist at Iris Oncology with 25 years of experience delivering compassionate and evidence-based nutrition care to those affected by cancer. She’s the former Nutrition Manager at The Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and presents seminars worldwide on mindful eating, family nutrition, and cancer survivorship. Stephanie is also the author of, End the Mealtime Meltdown: Using The Table Talk Method to Free Your Family From Daily Food Struggles and Picky Eating and the founder of Families Eating Well, a nutrition practice helping parents coach healthy eating skills in kids.
This article meets Iris standards for medical accuracy. It has been fact-checked by the Iris Clinical Editorial Board, our team of oncology experts who ensure that the content is evidence based and up to date. The Iris Clinical Editorial Board includes board-certified oncologists and pharmacists, psychologists, advanced practice providers, licensed clinical social workers, oncology-certified nurses, and dietitians.
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