Advisory from US surgeon general says alcohol contributes to 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths each year

Summary

Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the US, contributing to 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually, according to a new US surgeon general advisory.

Breast cancer accounts for 16.4% of annual alcohol-related cancers, with alcohol increasing the risk of at least seven types, including liver, colorectal, and throat cancers.

Most deaths occur among heavy drinkers, though 17% occur within recommended limits.

Alcohol promotes cancer through DNA damage, inflammation, and hormone changes. Despite clear links, only 45% of Americans recognize alcohol as a cancer risk.

  • @[email protected]
    15•3 days ago

    There are people that die after drinking a 750ml bottle of spirits.

    Good rule of thumb is if you see someone drinking exponentially more than everyone else, but they dont really seem drunk, they are an enormous alcoholic and their tolerance is built up over years.

    Dont copy those people.

    • @MutilationWave
      6•3 days ago

      Yep. At one point I was up to roughly a liter a day. I know this because I would buy a handle (1.75L), then the next day I would buy a handle, and then on the third day I didn’t need to buy a handle. This was my life for over a year. I was an alcoholic way longer than that but that was my worst.

      I just had blood tests done like six weeks ago and all my organs are in good shape. I have slightly elevated bad kind of cholesterol.

      The body is amazing in what you can throw at it and bounce back.

      • @[email protected]
        2•2 days ago

        Thats good to hear! I had a similar experience as well and it is very impressive not only how much a persons body can heal but how quickly too.

        If you are worried about it I believe nearly all bad cholesterol comes from animal products, so it might be beneficial to reduce those in your diet if possible!

        • @MutilationWave
          1•2 days ago

          Thanks, I appreciate it. My wife made cabbage a few nights ago that would turn anyone vegetarian as long as they don’t know that’s in it.

          • @[email protected]
            3•2 days ago

            I had stuffed cabbages with impossible meat and rice for christmas dinner myself. We have been making all my childhood family dishes again but vegan and its gone surprisingly well. Mashed potatatoes with “meat” gravy and corn is still one of my top meals and its healthier now too!

            • @MutilationWave
              1•1 day ago

              Is stuffed cabbages the same as cabbage rolls? Because those are amazing, we make them several times a year. We use half beef half hot Italian sausage, but I’d be down to try a vegan version for sure. And mashed potatoes are my all around favorite food, can you tell us how you make the vegan gravy?

              • @[email protected]
                2•17 hours ago

                The meat gravy dish is entirely seasoned with a packet of french onion seasoning mix, as that was how my mom made it when I was a kid. Thats probably why it tastes exactly the same too though.

                Traditional brown gravy is mainly with vegetable broth, sauces like soy and Worcestershire, and spices. I usually dont add any replacement products myself but some add vegan butter or nutritional yeast (cheesy/umami).

                The mashed potatoes are even simpler, I only use salt, pepper, olive oil, and garlic.

                • @MutilationWave
                  1•9 hours ago

                  Thanks for replying, sounds great. We use heavy cream and real butter in our potatoes but I’m thinking about trying to go vegetarian, at least part time.