New Report Links Alcohol Consumption to Cancer Risks, Urges Public to Stay Informed

New Report Links Alcohol Consumption to Cancer Risks, Urges Public to Stay Informed

A new report highlights alcohol's health risks, linking consumption to cancer and urging public awareness amid updated U.S. guidelines.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro
Health 13 HOURS AGO

In a significant development for public health discourse, a researcher from the University at Buffalo has played a crucial role in a comprehensive report released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that sheds light on the health implications of alcohol consumption. This report, which emerged last month, comes at a pivotal moment, coinciding with new advisories from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy concerning the links between alcohol use and increased cancer risk. The report highlights a nuanced perspective on alcohol consumption, particularly regarding the definitions of low to moderate drinking—specifically, two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. These guidelines are relevant as they relate to various health outcomes, including several types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, weight variations, overall mortality, and neurocognitive health. The findings will feed into the upcoming update of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, anticipated to be released within months. Dr. Jo L. Freudenheim, a SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at UB, was one of the 15 experts who contributed to the committee responsible for the report. Her specialization in the relationship between alcohol and cancer is particularly pertinent, as the report reaffirms long-standing scientific consensus regarding alcohol as a contributing factor to at least seven types of cancer, especially breast cancer. Freudenheim emphasizes the established linear relationship between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk, indicating that even low alcohol intake elevates risk, while heavier consumption corresponds to significantly greater risks. Despite the established scientific evidence, Freudenheim notes a concerning gap in public awareness regarding the health risks associated with alcohol consumption. She points out that while research communities recognize these links, the broader population remains less informed. However, this trend appears to be shifting, with increasing awareness of alcohol's health effects gaining traction. Compounding the urgency of this issue, the World Health Organization recently issued a statement declaring that there is "no form of alcohol consumption that is risk-free." This stark warning aligns with concerns from health professionals globally, underscoring the necessity for clearer communication about the risks associated with alcohol. In contrast to the WHO's broad statements, Freudenheim finds the Canadian guidelines on alcohol consumption to provide more actionable insights. These guidelines delineate the continuum of risk associated with different levels of alcohol consumption, emphasizing that while no amount of drinking is without risk, understanding the specific impacts of various drinking levels can aid individuals in making informed decisions about their alcohol intake. As society grapples with the complexities of alcohol consumption and its implications for health, the report from the National Academies offers a critical resource for both policymakers and the public. It encourages a dialogue about alcohol's place in our lives and the extent of risk that individuals are willing to accept, prompting a reevaluation of drinking habits in favor of a healthier future.

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