Majority Of Long Islanders Would Reduce Alcohol Intake: Poll

OCEANSIDE, NY — A majority of Long Islanders are considering drinking less alcohol amid the former surgeon general's warning about a strong link between alcoholic drinks and an increased cancer risk, a new poll by Mount Sinai South Nassau indicates.

Overall, 57 percent of respondents from Long Island and New York City said they had between one and seven drinks per week, while 22 percent consume between eight and 14 drinks per week.

However, the "Truth in Medicine" poll shows that 51 percent would consider reducing their alcohol intake or encourage others drink less based on the new guidance.

In January, then-Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy urged that new warning labels be placed on alcohol packaging due to the increased risk of cancer linked to alcohol consumption. It is up to Congress to decide whether to adopt the recommendation.

The proposed warning is based on new research linking alcohol consumption with an increased risk for at least seven distinct types of cancer: breast (in women), colorectal, esophageal, voice box, liver, mouth and throat.

The release of the poll results coincides with Alcohol Awareness Month held each April as well as National Alcohol Screening Day, which is on Thursday.

“Alcohol is a carcinogen, so the more alcohol a person drinks—particularly over time—the greater will be his or her risk of developing an alcohol-associated cancer,” said Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau. “It would be prudent to add the cancer risk to the warning label, which could have a dual effect of reducing alcohol-related accidents as well as a range of serious health complications, such as liver and heart disease, stroke, depression and brain damage.”