US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy has issued an advisory to his fellow Americans, warning them that alcohol consumption can increase their cancer risk. Dr Murthy has even called for an updated warning label on alcoholic beverages, pretty much the way cigarette cartons now mandatorily carry.
What Is A Surgeon General’s Warning/Advisory?
A surgeon general’s advisory is a public announcement that highlights urgent health issues and provides recommendations on how to address them. These advisories are rare and only issued for significant health challenges that need immediate public attention and action.
In the past, such advisories have influenced the nation’s health habits. For example, a 1964 report on smoking helped change the belief that cigarettes were harmless. Similarly, the latest advisory focuses on alcohol, aiming to dispel the misconception that drinking is without risk, or even beneficial to health.
What Does The Latest Advisory Say?
The surgeon general’s downloadable report, released on Friday, states, “Alcohol is a well-known and preventable cause of cancer, responsible for about 100,000 cases and 20,000 deaths each year in the United States. This number exceeds the 13,500 alcohol-related traffic deaths annually. Yet, most Americans are unaware of this risk.”
Research has consistently shown that alcohol use increases the risk of several types of cancer, including:
- Mouth, throat, and voice-box cancers
- Liver cancer
- Colon and rectal cancer
- Breast cancer
Even Little Could Be Too Much!
The connection between alcohol and cancer has also been noted in US federal health guidelines, such as the 2016 Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health, and the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These reports highlight that drinking — even within “moderate” limits — can increase the risk of death from cancer and other diseases, such as certain heart conditions.
The new advisory strongly recommends caution, as evidence suggests that even small amounts of alcohol may contribute to serious health risks.
How India Addresses These Concerns
India does not have an equivalent to the US surgeon general’s advisory, but addresses public health concerns through various mechanisms. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) issues guidelines and campaigns on topics like infectious diseases and lifestyle risks, while the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) publishes health warnings and recommendations on issues such as alcohol and non-communicable diseases. National programmes like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) help disseminate advisories, as do state health departments.
The labels on alcohol containers in India mention that it is injurious to health.
WHO Intervention To Combat Alcohol Dependence
In February 2022, the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) India office published a report that identifies alcohol as the leading cause of death and disability among people aged 15-49, responsible for 12% of male deaths — more than those due to TB or diabetes.
It also reported that, between 2010 and 2016, alcohol use doubled among Indian men and quadrupled among women, gaining popularity, especially among the youth.
To educate the public about the dangers of alcohol abuse, the WHO launched the ‘Meri Pyaari Zindagi (My Dear Life)’ campaign with ‘Gaon Connection’, using videos, audio stories, and memes as a communication tool. The campaign highlights alcohol consumption’s links to the likelihood of developing diseases like cancer, heart attacks, and reduced immunity.
The writer is a senior independent journalist.