U. S. May Ease Alcohol Rules: What You Need to Know

The U. S. might be changing its rules about how much alcohol is okay to drink. Right now, the guidelines say men should have no more than two drinks a day, and women should have just one. But these rules might change soon. Some people think this is a bad idea. They say drinking any alcohol can cause cancer. This includes cancers of the mouth, throat, and breast. The National Cancer Institute says alcohol is linked to these and other cancers. The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services is thinking about updating the rules. They might just say to drink in moderation instead of giving a specific number. But some experts think this is not enough. Dr. Silvia Balbo, a cancer researcher, says the new rules are a "missed opportunity. " She thinks the guidelines should teach people more about the risks of drinking. She points to the UK, which has detailed charts and calculators to help people understand how much alcohol is in different drinks. A report from the Surgeon General says even one drink a day can increase the risk of some cancers. But not everyone agrees. A recent study says there isn't enough evidence to link moderate drinking to some cancers. However, it does say drinking can increase the risk of breast cancer in women. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people drank more alcohol. But younger people are drinking less than older generations. A Gallup poll shows that fewer young adults are drinking now than 20 years ago. Other countries have different rules. Canada's guidelines are similar to the U. S. 's. The UK says no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. The World Health Organization says there is no safe level of alcohol. They put it in the same category as asbestos and tobacco.