US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is reigniting the debate by recommending that health warnings appear on alcohol bottles, like those on cigarette packages.
According to a report released Friday by the Surgeon General of the United States, Vivek Murthy, alcohol consumption is responsible for 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths in the United States each year, exceeding the 13,500 alcohol-related road accident deaths annually. However, “the majority of Americans are not aware of this risk,” laments Vivek Murthy.
Alcohol is associated with at least seven types of cancer: breast, colorectal, esophagus, liver, mouth, pharynx and larynx. The risks concern all alcoholic beverages, whether beer, wine or spirits.
>> Read also: “No pressure”, when alcohol is not at the heart of the party
Review daily limits
The report recalls that a recent study showed that consumption of less than one drink per week can already increase the risk of cancer by 10% in men and 16% in women, who are more vulnerable.
The US Surgeon General is also calling for a review of official recommendations on daily limits, currently set at two drinks for men and one drink for women. A study cited in the report reveals that 17% of alcohol-related deaths occur in people who respect these limits.
Warnings on alcohol bottles
The United States already displays warnings on alcoholic products, warning of risks for pregnant women and drivers.
Vivek Murthy suggests going further by including carcinogenic dangers, as is done in South Korea and Ireland. Such a measure, however, would require congressional approval.
“We drink a lot in Switzerland”
For Solange Peters, head of medical oncology at CHUV, alcohol consumption only becomes a concern when it leads to dependence. “One or two drinks a week are acceptable,” she explains, Sunday in the 12:30 p.m. of the RTS.
And added: “It is not this alcohol that is targeted by prevention. We are rather talking about the bad habit, encouraged by our stressful and competitive lives, which can become excessive. In Switzerland, we drink a lot. “
>> (Re)listen also to the Point J episode “Why do so many people stop drinking alcohol?” :
>> Read also: Sober January, or Dry January, is gaining more and more fans in Switzerland
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