Experts Warn Against Excessive Alcohol Consumption

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a formal advisory calling for new warning labels on alcoholic beverages . He cited evidence that alcohol directly contributes to approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer-related deaths each year in the U.S. . The advisory specifically highlighted increased risks for breast, colon, and other cancers, noting that for certain cancers like breast and throat cancer, the risk begins to rise with an average of just one drink per day . This move aims to increase public awareness, as many people are not aware of the carcinogenic properties of alcohol .
The expert warnings are supported by a shifting scientific consensus. A new federal report from the Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD), also released in early 2025, found that health risks begin at low levels of average use and increase with consumption . The report concluded that at no age is there a significant net benefit of alcohol consumption on all-cause mortality, challenging the long-held belief that moderate drinking could be beneficial for heart health . This report linked even moderate drinking—defined as one drink daily for women and two for men—to an increased risk of injuries, liver cirrhosis, and several cancers .
The recent expert analyses have identified several critical health concerns associated with alcohol use:
Cancer Link: Alcohol is a established human carcinogen, with strong evidence linking it to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, liver, and esophageal cancers . For example, the risk of breast cancer increases by about 7-10% for each additional alcoholic drink consumed per day .
Increased Mortality Risk: The ICCPUD report quantified that both men and women have a 1 in 1,000 risk of dying from alcohol use if they consume more than 7 drinks per week, a risk level that increases to 1 in 100 with more than 8.5 drinks per week .
Other Serious Conditions: Beyond cancer, alcohol consumption is linked to a higher risk of other conditions, including dementia , liver disease, and hypertension
These expert warnings have ignited a significant public health debate. The Surgeon General’s call for new warning labels requires Congressional approval, and the alcohol industry has voiced strong opposition, arguing the process has been biased . The scientific review process itself has faced challenges, including the withdrawal of a key HHS report in September 2025, which officials said would not be submitted to Congress as planned . Despite this, public health advocates continue to push for policies that better inform consumers, suggesting that warnings about specific harms like cancer, dementia, and liver disease are most effective at motivating people to drink less .