Health is Wealth
·
In every political party, it’s likely that there is a doctor and a scientist. These professionals should take responsibility for explaining the science behind the link between alcohol and cancer.
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AlcoholAndCancer
@AlcoholCancerEU
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9h
To minimize the risk of cancer, it’s recommended to limit alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether. #AlcoholAndCancer
You’re putting your skin at risk of sunburn and even skin cancer when you pour on the beer
There’s a good chance you think a golden tan makes you look more youthful, healthier and more attractive. And while there are many ways to achieve a faux bronzed glow — think bronzers and sunless tanners — you might be tempted to try an unsafe way to get a suntan.
One of those dangerous trends is beer tanning (yes, you read that right!). The idea is that slathering your skin with beer will help you achieve a darker, richer color.
You can thank social media for spreading the concept of beer tanning. But just because TikTok or Instagram influencers are touting the results of something, doesn’t mean it’s not without its risks (Exhibit A: nasal tanning sprays).
Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, explains how beer tanning can harm your skin and why it’s so important to protect your skin.
Instead of using sunscreen, people use the alcoholic beverage like a tanning lotion. The thought process is that hops — one of the main ingredients in beer — increase your skin’s melatonin.
But Dr. Khetarpal wants to be very clear: There’s no scientific evidence to support this theory. And you’re leaving your skin in a vulnerable state with no SPF protection at all.
“There are many issues with this idea of beer tanning,” she continues. “The first is that if you’re not applying sunscreen, the skin is not protected. It can also increase the chance of getting a sunburn and lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.”
Just like tanning beds and using tanning oil, beer tanning is NOT good for you or your skin.
Beer tanning essentially leaves your skin unprotected. Exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to:
And what might be most concerning is who is following this unsafe idea.
“The age groups that are following these trends are 15- to 34-year-olds — and it’s also the same age group that has a disproportionately high incidence of skin cancer and that’s on the rise,” says Dr. Khetarpal. “We’re going to see that number go up as this population ages.”
The facts on skin cancer — the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. — paint a scary picture. Here are just some of the alarming stats:
“We get most of our sun exposure during childhood, so it’s important to wear sunscreen every day even if you’re not outdoors,” stresses Dr. Khetarpal. “The increase in UV exposure and tanning beds is why there is an increase in skin cancer that we’re seeing today.”
Dr. Khetarpal can’t over-emphasize the importance of protecting your skin when you’re outside. So, what should you do? Here are her tips:
“Protect your skin by wearing an SPF 30 or higher daily, regardless of the weather and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors,” reiterates Dr. Khetarpal. “You can also look for UPF-protected clothing and seek shade during peak sun hours, which are typically 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.”
Sure, we get it — our society is somewhat obsessed with suntans and having a bronzed look. But as with most viral trends, beer tanning can do more harm than good. Ask yourself: Is having a tan worth the potential for skin cancer down the road?
And if you’re like us and Dr. Khetarpal, not only is it not worth the risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion and skin cancer, but it’s also not worth the mess it creates.
“Besides everything we know about ultraviolet exposure and putting yourself outside without sunscreen, why would you want to put something sticky and messy all over your body?” asks Dr. Khetarpal.
You’re putting your skin at risk of sunburn and even skin cancer when you pour on the beer
There’s a good chance you think a golden tan makes you look more youthful, healthier and more attractive. And while there are many ways to achieve a faux bronzed glow — think bronzers and sunless tanners — you might be tempted to try an unsafe way to get a suntan.
One of those dangerous trends is beer tanning (yes, you read that right!). The idea is that slathering your skin with beer will help you achieve a darker, richer color.
You can thank social media for spreading the concept of beer tanning. But just because TikTok or Instagram influencers are touting the results of something, doesn’t mean it’s not without its risks (Exhibit A: nasal tanning sprays).
Dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, explains how beer tanning can harm your skin and why it’s so important to protect your skin.
Instead of using sunscreen, people use the alcoholic beverage like a tanning lotion. The thought process is that hops — one of the main ingredients in beer — increase your skin’s melatonin.
But Dr. Khetarpal wants to be very clear: There’s no scientific evidence to support this theory. And you’re leaving your skin in a vulnerable state with no SPF protection at all.
“There are many issues with this idea of beer tanning,” she continues. “The first is that if you’re not applying sunscreen, the skin is not protected. It can also increase the chance of getting a sunburn and lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.”
Just like tanning beds and using tanning oil, beer tanning is NOT good for you or your skin.
Beer tanning essentially leaves your skin unprotected. Exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to:
And what might be most concerning is who is following this unsafe idea.
“The age groups that are following these trends are 15- to 34-year-olds — and it’s also the same age group that has a disproportionately high incidence of skin cancer and that’s on the rise,” says Dr. Khetarpal. “We’re going to see that number go up as this population ages.”
The facts on skin cancer — the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. — paint a scary picture. Here are just some of the alarming stats:
“We get most of our sun exposure during childhood, so it’s important to wear sunscreen every day even if you’re not outdoors,” stresses Dr. Khetarpal. “The increase in UV exposure and tanning beds is why there is an increase in skin cancer that we’re seeing today.”
Dr. Khetarpal can’t over-emphasize the importance of protecting your skin when you’re outside. So, what should you do? Here are her tips:
“Protect your skin by wearing an SPF 30 or higher daily, regardless of the weather and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors,” reiterates Dr. Khetarpal. “You can also look for UPF-protected clothing and seek shade during peak sun hours, which are typically 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.”
Sure, we get it — our society is somewhat obsessed with suntans and having a bronzed look. But as with most viral trends, beer tanning can do more harm than good. Ask yourself: Is having a tan worth the potential for skin cancer down the road?
And if you’re like us and Dr. Khetarpal, not only is it not worth the risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion and skin cancer, but it’s also not worth the mess it creates.
“Besides everything we know about ultraviolet exposure and putting yourself outside without sunscreen, why would you want to put something sticky and messy all over your body?” asks Dr. Khetarpal.
Evidence suggests “one or fewer drinks per day” may elevate the risk for cancers.
January 6, 2025
The US Surgeon General has issued an advisory recommending updates to alcoholic beverage labels to include warnings about the risks of cancer.
The document, titled Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, addressed the “direct link” between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer.
According to the advisory, alcohol is the “third leading preventable cause” of cancer in the US, following tobacco use and obesity.
It underscored that alcohol consumption contributed to cancers of the breast, colorectum, oesophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and voice box, regardless of the alcohol type.
Cancer risk increases with alcohol intake, and evidence suggests that even low levels—such as “one or fewer drinks per day” —can elevate the risk for breast, mouth, and throat cancers, according to a statement from the Surgeon General’s office.
Dr Murthy called for revising the Surgeon General’s health warning labels on alcohol-containing beverages to include information about cancer risks.
This advisory also emphasised the need to reevaluate recommended limits for alcohol consumption based on the latest research to account for cancer risks.
Dr Murthy said: “Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the US – greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the US – yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk.
“This advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimise harm.”
The release also urged public health professionals and community groups to emphasise alcohol consumption “as a leading modifiable cancer risk factor” and improve education efforts to raise public awareness.
The surgeon general advised people to consider the link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk “when deciding whether to drink or how much to have”.
The action comes in response to a 2020 letter addressed to Dr Murthy by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, American Institute for Cancer Research, Consumer Federation of America, and US Alcohol Policy Alliance, urging an update to alcoholic beverage labels to include cancer warnings.
A 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) report noted that around 2.6 million annual deaths are due to alcohol consumption.
In May 2023, Ireland became the “first” country in the European Union to mandate health labelling on alcoholic drinks with the law anticipated to take effect from 22 May 2026.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) issued new guidance in 2023, warning that no level of alcohol consumption is risk-free and recommended a maximum of two drinks per week.
Evidence suggests “one or fewer drinks per day” may elevate the risk for cancers.
January 6, 2025
The US Surgeon General has issued an advisory recommending updates to alcoholic beverage labels to include warnings about the risks of cancer.
The document, titled Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, addressed the “direct link” between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer.
According to the advisory, alcohol is the “third leading preventable cause” of cancer in the US, following tobacco use and obesity.
It underscored that alcohol consumption contributed to cancers of the breast, colorectum, oesophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and voice box, regardless of the alcohol type.
Cancer risk increases with alcohol intake, and evidence suggests that even low levels—such as “one or fewer drinks per day” —can elevate the risk for breast, mouth, and throat cancers, according to a statement from the Surgeon General’s office.
Dr Murthy called for revising the Surgeon General’s health warning labels on alcohol-containing beverages to include information about cancer risks.
This advisory also emphasised the need to reevaluate recommended limits for alcohol consumption based on the latest research to account for cancer risks.
Dr Murthy said: “Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the US – greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the US – yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk.
“This advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimise harm.”
The release also urged public health professionals and community groups to emphasise alcohol consumption “as a leading modifiable cancer risk factor” and improve education efforts to raise public awareness.
The surgeon general advised people to consider the link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk “when deciding whether to drink or how much to have”.
The action comes in response to a 2020 letter addressed to Dr Murthy by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, American Institute for Cancer Research, Consumer Federation of America, and US Alcohol Policy Alliance, urging an update to alcoholic beverage labels to include cancer warnings.
A 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) report noted that around 2.6 million annual deaths are due to alcohol consumption.
In May 2023, Ireland became the “first” country in the European Union to mandate health labelling on alcoholic drinks with the law anticipated to take effect from 22 May 2026.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) issued new guidance in 2023, warning that no level of alcohol consumption is risk-free and recommended a maximum of two drinks per week.
Evidence suggests “one or fewer drinks per day” may elevate the risk for cancers.
January 6, 2025
The US Surgeon General has issued an advisory recommending updates to alcoholic beverage labels to include warnings about the risks of cancer.
The document, titled Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, addressed the “direct link” between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer.
According to the advisory, alcohol is the “third leading preventable cause” of cancer in the US, following tobacco use and obesity.
It underscored that alcohol consumption contributed to cancers of the breast, colorectum, oesophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and voice box, regardless of the alcohol type.
Cancer risk increases with alcohol intake, and evidence suggests that even low levels—such as “one or fewer drinks per day” —can elevate the risk for breast, mouth, and throat cancers, according to a statement from the Surgeon General’s office.
Dr Murthy called for revising the Surgeon General’s health warning labels on alcohol-containing beverages to include information about cancer risks.
This advisory also emphasised the need to reevaluate recommended limits for alcohol consumption based on the latest research to account for cancer risks.
Dr Murthy said: “Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the US – greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the US – yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk.
“This advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimise harm.”
The release also urged public health professionals and community groups to emphasise alcohol consumption “as a leading modifiable cancer risk factor” and improve education efforts to raise public awareness.
The surgeon general advised people to consider the link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk “when deciding whether to drink or how much to have”.
The action comes in response to a 2020 letter addressed to Dr Murthy by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, American Institute for Cancer Research, Consumer Federation of America, and US Alcohol Policy Alliance, urging an update to alcoholic beverage labels to include cancer warnings.
A 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) report noted that around 2.6 million annual deaths are due to alcohol consumption.
In May 2023, Ireland became the “first” country in the European Union to mandate health labelling on alcoholic drinks with the law anticipated to take effect from 22 May 2026.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) issued new guidance in 2023, warning that no level of alcohol consumption is risk-free and recommended a maximum of two drinks per week.
Evidence suggests “one or fewer drinks per day” may elevate the risk for cancers.
January 6, 2025
The US Surgeon General has issued an advisory recommending updates to alcoholic beverage labels to include warnings about the risks of cancer.
The document, titled Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, addressed the “direct link” between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer.
According to the advisory, alcohol is the “third leading preventable cause” of cancer in the US, following tobacco use and obesity.
It underscored that alcohol consumption contributed to cancers of the breast, colorectum, oesophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and voice box, regardless of the alcohol type.
Cancer risk increases with alcohol intake, and evidence suggests that even low levels—such as “one or fewer drinks per day” —can elevate the risk for breast, mouth, and throat cancers, according to a statement from the Surgeon General’s office.
Dr Murthy called for revising the Surgeon General’s health warning labels on alcohol-containing beverages to include information about cancer risks.
This advisory also emphasised the need to reevaluate recommended limits for alcohol consumption based on the latest research to account for cancer risks.
Dr Murthy said: “Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the US – greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the US – yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk.
“This advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimise harm.”
The release also urged public health professionals and community groups to emphasise alcohol consumption “as a leading modifiable cancer risk factor” and improve education efforts to raise public awareness.
The surgeon general advised people to consider the link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk “when deciding whether to drink or how much to have”.
The action comes in response to a 2020 letter addressed to Dr Murthy by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, American Institute for Cancer Research, Consumer Federation of America, and US Alcohol Policy Alliance, urging an update to alcoholic beverage labels to include cancer warnings.
A 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) report noted that around 2.6 million annual deaths are due to alcohol consumption.
In May 2023, Ireland became the “first” country in the European Union to mandate health labelling on alcoholic drinks with the law anticipated to take effect from 22 May 2026.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) issued new guidance in 2023, warning that no level of alcohol consumption is risk-free and recommended a maximum of two drinks per week.
Evidence suggests “one or fewer drinks per day” may elevate the risk for cancers.
January 6, 2025
The US Surgeon General has issued an advisory recommending updates to alcoholic beverage labels to include warnings about the risks of cancer.
The document, titled Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, addressed the “direct link” between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer.
According to the advisory, alcohol is the “third leading preventable cause” of cancer in the US, following tobacco use and obesity.
It underscored that alcohol consumption contributed to cancers of the breast, colorectum, oesophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and voice box, regardless of the alcohol type.
Cancer risk increases with alcohol intake, and evidence suggests that even low levels—such as “one or fewer drinks per day” —can elevate the risk for breast, mouth, and throat cancers, according to a statement from the Surgeon General’s office.
Dr Murthy called for revising the Surgeon General’s health warning labels on alcohol-containing beverages to include information about cancer risks.
This advisory also emphasised the need to reevaluate recommended limits for alcohol consumption based on the latest research to account for cancer risks.
Dr Murthy said: “Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the US – greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the US – yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk.
“This advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimise harm.”
The release also urged public health professionals and community groups to emphasise alcohol consumption “as a leading modifiable cancer risk factor” and improve education efforts to raise public awareness.
The surgeon general advised people to consider the link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk “when deciding whether to drink or how much to have”.
The action comes in response to a 2020 letter addressed to Dr Murthy by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, American Institute for Cancer Research, Consumer Federation of America, and US Alcohol Policy Alliance, urging an update to alcoholic beverage labels to include cancer warnings.
A 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) report noted that around 2.6 million annual deaths are due to alcohol consumption.
In May 2023, Ireland became the “first” country in the European Union to mandate health labelling on alcoholic drinks with the law anticipated to take effect from 22 May 2026.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) issued new guidance in 2023, warning that no level of alcohol consumption is risk-free and recommended a maximum of two drinks per week.
·
In every political party, it’s likely that there is a doctor and a scientist. These professionals should take responsibility for explaining the science behind the link between alcohol and cancer.
Quote Tweet
AlcoholAndCancer
@AlcoholCancerEU
·
9h
To minimize the risk of cancer, it’s recommended to limit alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether. #AlcoholAndCancer
Healthaware 