earticle

영어

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendation for cancer warning labels on alcoholic products and explore its implications for improving South Korea’s public health policies on alcohol consumption. Methods: Specifically, it examines the scientific evidence linking alcohol to cancer risk, evaluates the effectiveness of warning labels in influencing consumer behavior, and compares international regulatory approaches to identify policy gaps in South Korea. Results: The research confirms that alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen, increasing the risk of at least seven cancers, including breast, colorectal, and liver cancer, through mechanisms such as DNA damage and hormonal imbalance. Despite this, South Korea’s current warning labels are insufficient in conveying cancer risks due to weak legal enforcement. To enhance public health measures, this study proposes: first, strengthening alcohol warning labels with clearer messages and graphic elements, second, expanding public health campaigns to increase awareness, third, enforcing stricter regulations on alcohol advertisements, and fourth, revising national alcohol consumption guidelines while integrating cancer prevention programs in healthcare and workplace settings. Conclusions: By addressing these gaps, South Korea can adopt a more proactive public health approach to minimize alcohol-related cancer risks and align with international best practices.