Impromptu Alcohol is linked to cancer. But isn't everything?
Jan 14, 2025
Leana Wen, a physician and contributing columnist at The Washington Post, dives into the risks of alcohol, especially its connection to cancer. She discusses the surge in non-alcoholic drink sales during Dry January and the public health implications of moderate drinking. Wen explores societal shifts in drinking habits, emphasizing the importance of understanding the risks without succumbing to fear. The conversation balances the pleasures of social drinking with emerging health warnings, making for a thought-provoking dialogue on navigating our relationship with alcohol.
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Dry January Attempts
- Drew Goins has tried Dry January and recommends it.
- He admits to only sometimes achieving a "damp January."
Alcohol and Cancer Risk
- The Surgeon General's advisory highlighted the link between alcohol and cancer, even at moderate levels.
- This link surprised many, including Drew Goins, raising the question of personal risk assessment.
Generational Drinking Trends
- Younger generations are drinking less alcohol than previous generations, possibly due to increased awareness of health risks and cultural shifts.
- However, this trend doesn't seem to be sustained throughout their lifetimes.