Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin
U.S. Surgeon General Issues New Advisory on Link Between Alcohol and Cancer Risk (hhs.gov)
16 points by srameshc 9 months ago | hide | past | favorite | 5 comments


Evidence suggests that cancer was a lot less prevalent before the modern era, yet people have consumed alcohol for thousands of years. In fact, a number of non-human mammals are known to consume alcohol, apparently for recreational reasons.

I understand the impulse to eliminate all possible risks from your life, but this risk seems pretty low compared to many that we take on without a second thought. Freeway driving, processed foods, UV exposure, tobacco, a sedentary lifestyle -- it seems to me that these are a lot more dangerous than moderate alcohol use.

I also have heard that a number of public health agencies have recently been "infiltrated" by members of a group that is vociferously anti-alcohol. It may be no accident that the perils of the demon rum have been in the news lately.


What about alcohol-based mouthwash?


Can’t find it at Costco any more


Listerine is still sold a lot in Europe.

I always wash my mouth with water after using it to minimise this risk.


At first I thought this was a dumb question, but it's actually quite interesting.

Why not alcohol based hand sanitiser or working with methylated spirits.

I find it unlikely alcohol causes significant cancers from skin contact compared to running it through the body.

At minimum answering that question would help understand the risks.

[Edit] interesting claim -

"Alcohol may cause changes to cells in the mouth and throat that make it easier to absorb the cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke"




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: