Alcohol is not only bad for your liver; it is also a proven carcinogen. At least seven cancer types, including those of the mouth, throat, breast, liver, and colon, have been linked to alcohol use, according to scientific research. When you drink, your body breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can damage DNA and prevent cells from repairing themselves, paving the way for cancer development. Even at low to moderate levels, the risk rises with frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption.
What are the types of Cancer Linked with Alcohol?
According to the various research and studies, alcohol has the potential to cause 7 different types of cancer; these are:
- Liver Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Oropharynx (throat) cancer and larynx cancer (voice box)
- Oral Cancer (Mouth)
- Colorectal Cancer (Large intestine and rectum)
- Esophageal Cancer
Facts related to alcohol and Cancer
According to WHO, there are 5 facts related to cancer these are:-
- There are at least seven cancer forms caused by alcohol.
- Drinking alcohol raises your risk of developing cancer from the very first drink.
- The risks of cancer are increased by both alcohol and tobacco use.
- Alcohol-related cancers can be prevented.
- The most frequent types of cancer caused by alcohol differ between men and women.
What are the risks associated with Alcohol Consumption?
- Liver Disorders- Heavy drinking can cause many liver disorders, including fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
- Heart health- Alcohol can increase the risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and stroke.
- Mental health- Alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, raising the likelihood of accidents, injuries, violence, and dangerous behavior.
- Family issues– Alcohol misuse can cause family breakups, unemployment, homelessness, and financial issues.
- Cancer- Alcohol is a known carcinogen that has been related to malignancies such as breast, liver, head and neck, esophageal, and colorectal.
- Fetal Disorders- Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to serious developmental issues for the unborn child, known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
- Other Medical Conditions- Alcohol can lead to pancreatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other digestive disorders.
What are the common cancer types in Men and Women due to alcohol?
Alcohol intake was associated with cancers in the female breast (most common in women) and colorectal (most common in men).
What is the Link Between Alcohol and Cancer?
Cancer is classified as a group 1 carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Health Organization. The risk increases with the amount and frequency of alcohol taken, but even light to moderate drinking can pose some danger.
How can alcohol increase the risk?
Here are some of the risk factors that can increase the risk due to alcohol: these are
Conversion to Acetaldehyde- Alcohol contains ethanol, which our bodies convert to acetaldehyde, a harmful and carcinogenic chemical. This chemical causes DNA damage and impairs cellular repair, allowing cancerous cells to grow.
Hormonal effect- Alcohol consumption can affect the estrogen level in the body, increasing the likelihood of getting breast cancer, especially in women.
Nutrient Absorption- Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B1, and B6, folate, and iron. These also help strengthen the immune system, protecting cells from oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and aiding in DNA synthesis and repair.
Tobacco-related Cancer- If you drink along with smoking, it can increase the risk of getting cancer further, as smoke contains tobacco and nicotine combination of both can increase the risk of getting both mouth and throat cancer more than drinking and smoking alone.
Obesity—Alcohol can also lead to weight gain and lead to obesity, which can further increase the risk of cancer.
Harmful Chemicals—Alcohol consumption can elevate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are unstable molecules capable of causing cellular and DNA damage, thereby contributing to cancer development.
What percent of cancer cases are linked to alcohol?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), alcohol consumption accounts for ~ 5.5% of all new cancer diagnoses and around 5.8% of all cancer-related deaths.
Does alcohol Intake affect cancer Treatment?
Alcohol may worsen the side effects of chemotherapy and medications used in cancer treatment, which include nausea, thirst, and mouth sores.
Are beer and Wine Safer alternatives to alcohol?
No, neither beer nor wine is a “safer” alternative to alcohol in general. Although some studies indicate that moderate alcohol use, like that of red wine, may have certain advantages, the harmful effects of alcohol exceed these possible advantages. There is no safe amount of alcohol consumption, and all forms of alcohol use are harmful.
How to prevent Cancer risk due to alcohol?
Limiting alcohol or avoiding it is the only way to reduce the risk of cancer; however, there are some tips to reduce cancer risk:
- Avoid Tobacco with alcohol in combination, as it increases the cancer risk by 5 times.
- Drink in moderation as per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), women are limited to one drink per day, and males to tw.o
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Get regular health checkups and screenings.
A final thought
Understanding how alcohol causes cancer is a step toward improved health and making informed decisions. While occasional drinking may appear harmless, it is crucial to be aware of the potential consequences, particularly when it comes to long-term consumption. The good news is that reducing or quitting alcohol can considerably lower your cancer risk, improve your health.
