**Senate Considers Bill for Cancer Warning Labels on Alcohol** The Senate is currently reviewing a bill that aims to require cancer warning labels on alcohol packaging. Senator Patrick Brazeau is leading the initiative, which is a revival of a previous bill that did not advance before the last election. During a Senate committee meeting, Brazeau highlighted the serious health risks associated with alcohol consumption. He stated that alcohol is linked to seven types of cancer, including liver, colon, breast, and oral cancers. "It does ruin lives. It kills people. It's certainly not good for mental health," he said, sharing his personal struggles with alcohol and its impact on his life. Research indicates that many Canadians are unaware of the connection between alcohol and cancer. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, drinking three alcoholic beverages a day can double the risk of developing cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus, and increase the risk of colorectal and breast cancer by 50%. Brandon Purcell, advocacy manager for the Canadian Cancer Society, emphasized the need for transparency. "It's about the right of Canadians to know. We believe they deserve the same transparency and protection that we've expected from tobacco for some time now," he said. The proposed legislation would also require clear labeling of what constitutes a standard drink, the number of drinks per container, and the number of drinks that Health Canada considers a health risk. A standard drink is defined as five ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of spirits, or 12 ounces of beer. Jacob Shelley, an associate professor at Western University, criticized the alcohol industry for not providing adequate warnings. He noted that while other products are required to inform consumers about risks, the alcohol industry has largely avoided this responsibility. "The lack of a warning actually suggests to people... that it can't be that bad," he said. Brazeau anticipates opposition from the alcohol industry, stating, "The alcohol industry and lobby are interested in one thing and one thing only, and that is profits. They do not care about the health or well-being of Canadians." He views the cancer warning label as just the beginning, as alcohol is associated with numerous other health issues. Brazeau has also introduced another bill aimed at restricting alcohol advertising. The Senate's discussions on this bill reflect a growing concern about the health impacts of alcohol consumption and the need for better consumer information.