PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A new study finds that many Americans are not aware of a common cause of cancer.
It is hard to believe that there was a time when many Americans were not aware that cigarette smoking was a major risk factor for certain forms of cancer. Today it is common knowledge, but according to a report from the National Cancer Institute, the majority of Americans do not know that alcohol consumption is a leading risk factor for cancer — and this includes wine and beer.
Cancer organizations are now petitioning support for a label to appear on alcohol products. They would like a warning similar to those seen on cigarette packaging. In this case, the warning would say that “consumption of alcoholic beverages can cause cancer, including breast and colon cancer.”
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.