Drinking Alcohol Has Been Clearly Shown to Increase Cancer Risk

Alcohol was known to be harmful, but for the first time the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) stated that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for many different cancer types. Cancer preventionnow much more clearly includes avoiding alcohol use.

While it is now indisputable that tobacco and tobacco products significantly increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, the situation with alcohol had been somewhat different. However, we now clearly know that alcohol is an important cause of cancer.

Cancer types with proven associations with alcohol intake include:

• Mouth and pharyngeal (nasopharyngeal) cancer
• Laryngeal cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Liver cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer

Alcohol consumption causes %5-%6 of cancer-related deaths

According to the ASCO statement published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the recommendation for reducing cancer risk is not “do not consume alcoholic beverages,” but “consume less” or “if you do not drink, do not start.” In general, cancer risk rises as alcohol consumption increases. However, studies published particularly in the last 2 years show that even low / moderate alcohol intake increases breast and colon cancer risk.

- Related Topic: Even just one glass of alcohol daily increases breast cancer risk

Various data concern alcohol’s effects on the heart, particularly red wine. When considered alongside evidence that alcoholic drinks increase cancer risk, any health benefit becomes somewhat doubtful.

In conclusion, it is now clearly known that alcohol is one of the lifestyle-related carcinogens. Although alcohol-related cancer risk increases substantially with heavy, long-term use, even low consumption may be a cancer risk factor. Limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.