By Denny Jacob

Shares of Constellation Brands, Anheuser-Busch InBev and other makers of beer, wine and spirits fell after the U.S. Surgeon General issued a new warning on the links between alcohol and cancer.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for updating the existing health-warning label on beverages containing alcohol, among other recommendations to increase awareness to help minimize alcohol-related cancer cases and deaths.

Shares of Constellation were down 1% at $220.25 in premarket trading, while Bud Light owner Anheuser-Busch InBev lost 1.8% to $49.01. Boston Beer slid 1.3% to $297.40 and Jack Daniel's maker Brown-Forman ticked down 1.1% to $36.77.

A direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk has been well-established for at least seven types of cancer including those of the breast, colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat and voice box, regardless of the type of alcohol that is consumed, according to the advisory. It noted that for breast cancer specifically, about 16% of total cases are attributable to alcohol consumption.

Attitudes toward alcohol have shifted and younger generations have moved away from it over health concerns as more information about the risks emerges.

The body digests alcohol and breaks it down to acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can damage DNA and proteins. It also generates chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen, which can damage proteins, fats and DNA. It can raise levels of the hormone estrogen, which is linked to breast cancer.

Murthy has been vocal on other issues seen as detrimental to health. The nation's health director has warned about the harm parenting stress can have on mental health, and has called for warning labels on social media platforms amid research showing it is an important contributor to a growing mental-health crisis among young people.

Write to Denny Jacob at denny.jacob@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 03, 2025 08:49 ET (13:49 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.