> If we look at another societal thing that historically a huge chunk of the population did -- smoking -- it was known that it kills you, horribly, but it took taken more than sixty to eighty years for the public to get that message, and now society is slowly adjusting [at least in Europe] with real public benefits. If an effect is present with alcohol, even a small one, the integrated effect would be massive and it's a very scientifically valid question to ask.

But it's not if an effect is present: we do in fact know that alcohol consumption causes cancer. The link is well-established. What is surprising is that most people aren't aware that this link exists. IIRC the number of Americans aware of the link is something like 30%. According to this (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/08/only-one-10-...) only 1 in 10 Britons is aware. (I assume even fewer people are aware that processed meat causes cancer.)

I understand what you're saying, of course, given that there might be some benefits that outweigh the risks when you calculate overall mortality. However, speaking personally, I think I would rather die of heart disease than cancer. In fact, compared to death by cancer, a heart attack sounds like a blessing (of course I'm aware there are other, slower and also nasty ways to go that are related to heart disease — but still). The main issue being, of course, that at least a slow death gives you some time to say goodbye and arrange your affairs. Still: I'd rather go quick and clean.

It's a morbid subject, but after recently reading The Emperor Of All Maladies, a masterful "biography" of cancer, this has been on my mind quite a bit. I love to drink, but I'm wondering if it's worth it.