On January 4th, 2025, The United States Surgeon General suggest that alcohol bottles need to include warnings about cancer. The current U.S. Surgeon General is Dr. Vivek Murthy.; He is considered the “Nation’s Doctor” Dr. Murthy was appointed by President Joe Biden and began his term in March 2021. This is his second time serving as Surgeon General; he also held the position under President Obama from 2014 to 2017.
Scientist have proven that drinking alcohol can cause cancer, similar to smoking cigarettes but many people don’t know this. Drinking too much can increase the chances of breast cancer, liver cancer and throat cancer. Studies suggest that even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful overtime. This call for a label on alcohol bottles is especially important for Black communities. Research shows that Black people are more likely to get liver cancer. Black women are also at a higher risk for aggressive breast cancer.
Cigarette use went down significantly when the U.S. Surgeon General at the time Dr. Luther Terry gave the first major warning about smoking and its link to cancer. In 1964, he released the Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health, confirming the links between smoking, lung cancer, and heart disease. Warning labels started to appear on cigarette packages. Over time, more restrictions were added, like banning cigarette ads on TV and requiring stronger warnings.
From 1964 to today, smoking rates in the U.S. have dropped drastically. From about 42% of adults in the mid-1960s to about 12% of adults today. Warning labels, public education, and stricter regulations all played a role in reducing smoking; the same thing can be done for alcohol.
Stress and other challenges in life can lead some people to drink more, which increases their health risk. Alcohol is often sold in Black neighborhoods more than any other areas. According to Johns Hopkins University “predominantly black, low-income neighborhoods in Baltimore were eight times more likely to have carry-out liquor stores than white or racially integrated neighborhoods.” Studies show that 23% of Black people aged 12 or older binge drink, compared to the 24.5% of the population as a whole.
Adding cancer warnings to alcohol bottles is a big step toward protecting everyone’s health, especially Black people. For Black communities, this is also an opportunity to focus on making healthier choices. Understanding the risks of alcohol can encourage people to make healthier decisions.
The Surgeon General’s plan to add cancer warnings to alcohol is an important step to help people stay healthy. Just like warnings on cigarette packs helped people smoke less, these labels cab teach people about the dangers of drinking. Alcohol use in Black communities can cause serious health problems, especially because Black people are already high risk for certain diseases. Acting now can help future generations stay healthy, health and knowledge are the best tools for a better future.
