New U.S. Surgeon General guidance links any alcohol use to cancer risk, boosting Dry January's popularity.

Dry January is gaining traction as new U.S. Surgeon General guidance states no level of alcohol consumption is safe, particularly due to cancer risks. This shift in medical consensus is prompting more Americans to abstain from drinking in January, challenging previous beliefs about moderate drinking’s health benefits. Public health experts stress that even low intake increases cancer risk, fueling a broader reevaluation of alcohol use. Concurrently, cybersecurity experts are urging Americans to bolster digital safety with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, software updates, and caution with online activity to combat rising threats like phishing and identity theft.