With the new alcohol and cancer advisory, is there a ‘healthy’ way to drink?
In 1942, during its fight against the Soviet Union, Finland launched a novel campaign to keep the Red Army at bay: Raitis tammikuu, or “Sober January.” The monthlong sobriety challenge – one of the first Dry Januarys in history – was meant to encourage Finns to lay off the bottle while also conserving scant wartime resources.
Nowadays, Dry January isn’t so much a fight against invading forces as it is about a reset heading into a new year.
Alcohol has already taken center stage in 2025 after the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory calling for warning labels highlighting the risk of cancer in drinking boozy beverages earlier this month.
A research smorgasbord
The connection between cancer and alcohol may come as news to the general public, but it’s not for scientists and clinicians, said Dr. Mack Mitchell, a gastroenterologist and professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
“There’s a large background of information on alcohol and health that’s accumulated over the last not 10 years, but 50 years,” said Mitchell, who is also a member of the Board of Scientific Counselors for the National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse. “The issue about cancer began to be recognized back in the 1980s, and the first thing that came up was a small but real association between drinking and breast cancer in women. I think there’s no question that this has been confirmed many, many times.”
Cancer occurs through different biological mechanisms, some of which involve ethanol — the main chemical component of alcoholic beverages — and other chemicals produced when we metabolize beer or a glass of wine, said Dr. Flavio Rocha, surgical oncologist and physician-in-chief at the Oregon Health and Science University’s Knight Cancer Institute.
Mileage may vary
The current U.S. guidelines for alcohol consumption is two drinks a day or less for men and one drink a day or less for women. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a standard drink is defined as either:
- 12 fluid ounces of regular beer with an alcohol content of 5%
- 5 fluid ounces of table wine with an alcohol content of 12%
- A 1.5 fluid ounce shot of distilled spirits with an alcohol content of 40%
Even with these guidelines, alcoholic beverages don’t have explicit labeling informing consumers of how their drink compares to the standard, said Matthew Rossheim, associate professor of health administration and health policy at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth.
Conclusion
While there isn’t a safe amount when drinking alcohol, saying no to a nightly glass of Pinot Noir — or a cannabis-infused cocktail — is easier said than done. If you already don’t drink alcohol, it’s best not to start now. If you do currently drink, it’s best to stay within the standard guidelines and have a conversation with your health care provider to get an idea of what an acceptable amount looks like for you.
FAQs
Q: Is it possible to sip smarter in a world where every pint or cocktail comes with a side of caution?
A: Yes, it is possible to make informed choices about your drinking habits. Consider the guidelines for alcohol consumption, the ingredients in your drink, and your individual health status.
Q: Should I cut alcohol out of my life entirely?
A: While there isn’t a safe amount when drinking alcohol, it’s best to stay within the standard guidelines and have a conversation with your health care provider to get an idea of what an acceptable amount looks like for you.
Q: How can I make informed choices about my drinking habits?
A: Consider the guidelines for alcohol consumption, the ingredients in your drink, and your individual health status. If you’re unsure about your drinking habits, consult with your health care provider for personalized advice.
