“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 United States – 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,” Dr. Murthy stated.
“This Advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimize harm.”
Dr. Osborn has expressed support for Dr. Murthy’s advisory, stating, “It’s about time.”
Despite some centenarians attributing their long lives to wine consumption, Dr. Osborn argues that alcohol offers no health benefits.
He told Fox News, “I know the age-old adage that you can have a drink or two a day and it’s good for your heart – no, it’s not.”
“It’s not good for your heart. It’s not good for your brain. It’s not good for your waistline.”
Dr. Osborn has witnessed the detrimental effects alcohol can have on the brain.
“We know that people who drink have bad brains,” he noted. “I actually operated on one two days ago.”
He referred to a patient struggling with alcoholism who had a recent fall resulting in a blood clot that required surgical intervention.
Dr. Osborn shared his grim prognosis, stating, “By virtue of the fact that he is an alcoholic… he’s going to do poorly.”
“These patients, just in general, their organ systems in general, they’re dysfunctional, they’re malfunctioning. And ultimately, it portends to a bad outcome.”
While advocating for reducing alcohol consumption, Dr. Osborn acknowledges that quitting immediately may be challenging for some.
He suggests a gradual reduction of alcohol intake by 50 percent to help individuals ‘taper off’.
Dr. Osborn added, “I don’t want it in my practice. I don’t want it for my patients. I don’t use it myself. It’s bad. Get rid of it.”
If you’re dealing with addiction and need support, contact American Addiction Centers at (888) 324-0595, with 24/7 availability, or reach out through their website.