Practicing dry January? Consider continuing your alcohol-free journey beyond this month! With the start of the new year, the US Surgeon General announced a health update, calling for all alcohol labels to include a warning that consuming it increases an individual’s risk of cancer. While many people are aware that excessive alcohol intake can have poor effects on your health, only 40% of Americans are aware that alcohol consumption can lead to cancer. Alcohol is responsible for 100,000 cancer cases in the US each year, leading to 20,000 cancer deaths. This week on Fox17, Dr. Bitner breaks down the new update and the importance of limiting alcohol consumption. 

Fact #1

Typical serving sizes for alcohol: 

• Wine: 5 ounces
• Beer: 12 ounces
• Liquor: 1.5 ounces

Fact #2

Your risk for cancer can increase even if you are drinking in the recommended amount. The recommended amount is one drink per day for women and two for men daily. Just one drink a week can increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer by 10%. For men, alcohol consumption can increase their risk of mouth, throat, esophagus, and colon cancer. It’s important for individuals to know that any drinking can have short-term health effects and long-term consequences. 

Fact #3

The risk for cancer is affected more by habits than by genetics. While many people believe their genetics put them at the biggest risk for cancer, your habits play a key role in preventing cancer. Healthy habits, such as limiting alcohol and balancing diet and exercise, can completely change your chances of developing many chronic diseases. Preventative testing and routine visits with your healthcare provider are additional ways to take control of your health. 

Fact #4

The benefits of limiting alcohol consumption:

• Weight loss (contains empty calories and increases food cravings)
• Improves REM sleep 
• Lessens the need to urinate during the night
• Decreases sleep apnea
• Lowers risk of cancer
• Improves mood and lowers the risk of anxiety and depression
• Promotes liver health 
• Increases immune function
• Saves money (most households spend $579 per year on alcohol alone)

Patient Story:

Jane, 41, wanted to begin the new year fresh and started looking into the benefits of Dry January. She asked her doctor and learned that significantly limiting alcohol consumption could boost her energy levels and reduce her risk of breast cancer. Jane was already at a higher risk of breast cancer due to not having children, being overweight, and having dense breasts. 

While Jane did not consume more than the recommended amount, typically one drink after her stressful job, she was surprised to hear the many benefits that came with removing drinking from her diet. Jane decided not to limit her goal to Dry January but to continue it for the foreseeable future. She valued traveling with her husband after retirement and decided alcohol was not worth the risk of cancer.  

Takeaway Tip:

Consider participating in “Dry January” or cutting drinking out for 30 days and giving your body a break from alcohol. Record how you feel every week and consider a lifelong habit of limiting your alcohol use to 3 drinks or fewer per week. By committing to healthy lifestyle choices, you can control your long-term health and age how you want! 

Watch the full segment here.