On January 3, 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General’s office released a new advisory on the link between alcohol consumption and increased risk for cancer. The advisory reports alcohol use as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States—after tobacco and obesity—responsible for increased risk for at least seven types of cancer.
Robin T. Zon, MD, FACP, FASCO
A statement from ASCO President Robin T. Zon, MD, FACP, FASCO, follows:
“[The] Surgeon General’s advisory is an important reminder of the proven link between alcohol consumption and increased risk for numerous cancers, including head and neck, esophageal, liver, and several other types of cancer.
“Drinking alcohol is one of the many modifiable behaviors that could make a significant difference in how many people are diagnosed with and die from cancer in the U.S. each year. While the evidence for this link has been clear and growing for some time, awareness among the public and health care professionals continues to lag. ASCO is dedicated to increasing oncologists’ and other cancer care providers’ understanding of these risks and ensuring they share those risks with their patients.
“ASCO urges Americans to pay close attention to the Surgeon General’s advisory and reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption as a significant means to improve their health and reduce the chances of developing cancer.”
For more information, read ASCO’s policy statement on alcohol and cancer.
