The Latest Surgeon General Advisory About Alcohol, and What It Means for the Workplace

Earlier this year, the US Surgeon General released the latest research on the link between alcohol and cancer. Their findings: alcohol is the third most preventable cause of cancer, behind tobacco and obesity. With over 16% of breast cancer cases caused by alcohol, and 4-6% of cancer overall now linked with drinking. 

Although the link between alcohol and cancer is not new, many Americans remain unaware of the risks, especially in the workplace. And this gap in awareness has significant implications for employers, PBMs, and health plans.

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Surgeon General’s Report TL;DR

• Alcohol increases the risk of at least 7 types of cancer, including breast, liver, colon, mouth, and throat.
• 20,000 cancer deaths each year are linked to alcohol use—more than traffic accidents caused by drinking (13,500 deaths).
• No type of alcohol is “safer”— beer, wine, and spirits all carry cancer-related risks.
  

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Why this matters for organizations

Health risks impact productivity and healthcare costs

Alcohol-related illnesses, including cancer, contribute to absenteeism, increased healthcare claims, disability leave, and lower overall employee well-being. These health issues create significant financial burdens for employers, with alcohol use disorder (AUD) alone accounting for $10.2 billion in annual medical costs among employees with employer-sponsored health plans. Beyond direct medical expenses, untreated alcohol-related health risks can lead to reduced productivity, higher turnover, and long-term disability claims, all of which affect an organization’s bottom line.

The workplace can influence drinking behavior
Team happy hours, networking events, and high-stress work environments (where alcohol may be used as a coping mechanism) can unintentionally encourage risky drinking habits. Organizations have an opportunity to proactively shift workplace norms, from offering healthier alternatives at events to promoting stress management resources. 

What organizations can do

Educate your workforce

Raising awareness is the first step toward reducing alcohol-related health risks. Equip employees with accurate information so they can make informed choices about their habits. 

• Integrate alcohol-related health information into wellness programs, benefit guides, and workplace communications 
• Host awareness sessions or webinars during key months (like Breast Cancer or Alcohol Use Awareness Months) to spotlight the health impacts of alcohol and encourage open communication.
• Share evidence-based resources, like those from the Surgeon General, SAMHSA, or the Dr. Suzette Glasner podcast.

Strengthen support systems

Despite the growing impact of alcohol-related health risks, most employees lack the support they need. Pelago’s 2024 Annual State of Substance Use Management Trend Report found that while 56% of employees believe employer support for alcohol and substance use challenges is crucial, only 14% report having access to such benefits. Organizations can create environments that prioritize both education and confidential care by:

• Creating recovery-ready workplaces where employees feel comfortable seeking help for alcohol-related concerns
• Highlighting existing benefits that may support alcohol or substance use challenges
• Offering personalized, confidential support through programs like Pelago, where employees can access coaching, medication-assisted treatment, and ongoing support tailored to their unique needs.

The value of substance use management

Dedicated substance use programs make a measurable impact. Pelago’s program has helped 68% of members reduce their alcohol use by one or more WHO risk drinking levels, with 83% reporting that the program helped them improve their drinking habits. These health improvements translate directly into financial savings, with an average $9,367 reduction in medical costs per member, per year, leading to a 3x return on investment for employers.

Alcohol-related cancer is largely preventable, yet many employees remain unaware of the risks or lack access to support.  Employers have an opportunity to change that—reducing long-term health risks while improving well-being, lowering costs, and creating a healthier workforce.