Rum producer knocks cancer link

The West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association Inc. (WIRSPA) is disputing findings published by United States (US) Surgeon General Vivek Murthy linking alcohol consumption with various cancers.

In an advisory last Friday, Murthy outlined the “growing body of evidence” showing the link between alcohol use and at least seven types of cancer – including mouth, throat, voice box, oesophagus, breast, liver and colon/rectum. He also called for warning labels on alcoholic beverages to alert people about the risk.