Why alcohol cancer warning labels have expired

It instantly became front page news. The Surgeon General is The relationship between cancer and alcohol It recommended that alcohol should include black box warnings about cancer risks.

It’s understandable that there are very mixed feelings about this announcement. Some people are in shock. Others are relieved and wonder why it took so long for this to happen. And both sides have valid arguments.

woven into our culture

It’s no surprise that many people find this report surprising. Alcohol has been part of our culture for generations. Despite the potential health risks associated with alcohol consumption, we actively celebrate when someone reaches drinking age, “happy hours” are regularly scheduled social activities, and sporting events are We make billions of dollars just on purchases, and we celebrate our biggest milestone: our wedding. , engagement parties, birthdays, home purchases, and more all include celebratory champagne, an open bar, or both. In recent years, research has also been published suggesting that drinking small amounts on a regular basis is actively healthy for us (e.g. Red wine for heart health), almost the same as giving your baby aspirin. Drinking alcohol is completely accepted and normalized in our culture.

However, not so long ago, smoking was normalized and integrated into everyday culture. Ashtrays were commonplace on restaurant tables, smoking corners were found in hospitals and airports, and there were smoking lounges in workplaces, such as elementary school teachers’ lounges.

What has changed? Health risk information was shared with the public. Added warning label. And people were able to make informed choices about tobacco use. As a result, many people quit smoking When we become aware of the risks to our health. And many policy changes have been made to reduce the effects of second-hand and third-hand smoke.

In fact, 9 out of 10 Americans now understand the link between tobacco and cancer; recent research It turns out that fewer than half of Americans are aware that alcohol is also a carcinogen. In fact, alcohol is #3 cause of preventable cancerjust behind tobacco and obesity.

Regular alcohol consumption (even an average of one drink per day) has been shown to pose serious health risks. This research has been replicated, confirmed, and supported nationally and globally. And in many other countries, alcohol is consumed much more carefully than in the United States. Canada is in the news in 2023 To reduce the risk of adverse health effects, the public is advised to consume no more than one or two standard drinks per week. As of 2024, health and safety warning labels are mandatory in 47 countries around the world. alcoholism drink.

alcohol industry

How can we explain this discrepancy in how the United States treats alcohol compared to other countries that share the same data? They have sought to hide and obscure information about their giving, and have actively sown misinformation and confusion. The alcohol industry has also systematically misled the public about alcohol-related health risks, particularly cancer, through sophisticated misinformation campaigns. An analysis of around 30 alcohol industry associations found that more than 90% of websites misrepresented evidence about alcohol-related cancer risks. The industry also has a documented history of partnering with organizations. pretending to be an independent charity To avoid responsibility and undermine awareness of broader public health risks.

Additionally, there is a documented history of the alcohol industry attempting to influence government-funded research and policy. A prime example is the Moderate Alcohol and Cardiovascular Health Trial, a $100 million study in which National Institutes of Health officials improperly solicited funds from the alcohol industry. It was canceled in 2018 after it was discovered that the design was biased to produce more favorable results. result.

encouraging trend

If you’re reading this and feeling discouraged, I have a bit of good news for you. Their efforts did not go as well as expected. Recent Gallup Poll found that young people between the ages of 18 and 34 increasingly consider drinking to be unhealthy. This is a surprising trend that shows people are educating themselves, paying attention to the evidence, and making healthy choices. And encouraging data shows that January 2025 is expected to be the biggest ‘Dry January’ on record (a period when people cut back on alcohol consumption throughout January), with 75 million adults expected to take part this year. has been done.

So if alcohol trends are heading in the right direction, why do we need warning labels? Because despite… optimistic trends in alcohol consumption; Alcohol-related deaths continue to rise sharply. Information about the health risks of alcohol should be provided to people who: everyone It is aimed at individuals who seek the latest research and information, as well as those who use alcohol. Misinformation campaigns prey on ignorance, and alcohol remains deeply embedded in our social fabric, making us all easy targets.

Warning labels are an important, health-positive step in changing these trends. Everyone deserves the opportunity to make informed choices about their relationship with alcohol. Emphasis on the word “informed” here..It’s not enough to just have warning information “out there” for people to find. We have a responsibility to make it look easy. There is no better place to do this than the product itself.

Contrary to what some people think fearwarning labels do not make alcohol less available or more expensive. Warning labels do not lead to prohibition, systematic repression, or government overreach.

Instead, warning labels bring needed transparency, provide better information, and promote education. decision making. This is a step toward health that we should welcome, and a change that the new Congress should enact.