The U.S. Surgeon General is calling for updated health warning labels on alcoholic beverages. He wants people to know about the increased cancer risk. It’s a new call to warn Americans about the effects of alcohol.  U.S. Surgeon General Doctor Vivek Murthy issued this advisory Friday, seeking labels on alcoholic beverages warning of cancer risks. “The reality is that more people die every year of preventable alcohol-related cancers than drunken driving. I think most people probably don’t realize that,” Doctor Dale Shepard said. Shepard, a medical oncologist with Cleveland Clinic, says he hopes this advisory brings awareness. The Surgeon General’s Office says less than half of Americans are aware of increased cancer risk from alcohol, and that is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S. That risk rises with the amount of alcohol consumed. “I think, in general, moderation is key,” Shepard said. The advisory says every year in the U.S., alcohol is responsible for about 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths. It’s linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat and voicebox. “Lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on cancer risk, risk for heart disease, risk for diabetes,” Shepard said. We can’t underestimate the ability that we have to change our lifestyle and make ourselves healthier.  An updated warning label on alcoholic beverages to reflect cancer risk would require approval from Congress.