The direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer was first established in the late 1980s and has since been documented by several studies, the report recalls.
Links have thus been established with at least seven types of cancer: cancers of the breast, colon-rectum, esophagus, liver, oral cavity, pharynx and larynx, the document continues. All types of alcoholic beverages are affected: beer, wine and spirits.
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“16.4% of the total number of cases of breast cancer are attributable to alcohol consumption,” it is specified in particular.
Warnings are already present on alcoholic products in the United States, particularly warning pregnant women and drivers.
Vivek Murthy asks that carcinogenic risks also be mentioned, as in South Korea and Ireland.
However, such a measure would have to be voted on by the American Congress.
Appointed by the president, the chief medical officer is responsible for prevention on public health issues, even if his concrete powers are very limited.
In his report, Vivek Murthy also calls for a reassessment of the recommended daily limit in the United States, currently set at two glasses of alcohol for men and one drink for women.
According to a study cited in the report, 17% of the 20,000 annual alcohol-related cancer deaths in the United States occur in people who do not exceed these limits.
