The complex relationship between alcohol and cancer is highlighted in a new report from the American Association for Cancer Research. The results of this report are truly astonishing.
“Social media” increases cancer risk
The report’s authors estimate that 40% of cancer cases are associated with “modifiable risk factors.” In other words, things we can change ourselves.
Alcohol consumption is one of the main factors. There are six types of cancer linked to alcohol consumption, including head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and stomach cancer.
The figures are also worth pondering. In 2019, more than 1 in 20 cancer diagnoses in the West were attributed to alcohol consumption, and this number is increasing over time.
This data challenges the popular notion that alcohol is a harmless means of social interaction and it reinforces the many studies that have been done linking alcohol consumption to cancer risk.
One of particular concern is the increasing rate of early-onset colorectal cancer in people under 50 years of age. The report recorded an increase of 1.9% per year from 2011 – 2019.
Although the exact causes of this trend are still under investigation, research consistently shows an association between frequent and regular alcohol consumption in adulthood and the risk of colon and rectal cancer. higher colon later.
However, unlike many cancer risk factors, alcohol consumption is something we can control. Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can reduce the risk, giving us a way to cope with this unpredictable disease.
The relationship between alcohol and cancer risk often follows a “dose-response” pattern, meaning that the higher the level of consumption, the greater the risk. Even light to moderate drinking has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, especially breast cancer.
Many people still lack awareness about the risks from alcohol
It’s important to remember that although alcohol increases the risk of cancer, that doesn’t mean everyone who drinks will get cancer. Many different factors contribute to the development of cancer.
However, misconceptions still exist. The type of alcoholic beverage, whether beer, wine or spirits, does not significantly change cancer risk. Ethanol itself (the chemical name for alcohol) is a carcinogen.
And although some studies have suggested that red wine may have a protective effect against certain diseases, there is no clear evidence that it helps prevent cancer. The potential risks of alcohol consumption probably outweigh any potential benefits.
The takeaway is not that we should never enjoy a glass of wine or beer with friends. Instead, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and make choices that align with our health goals. It is about moderation, sobriety and informed decisions.
Alcohol does not only have an impact on causing cancer. A large recent study of more than 135,000 older drinkers in the UK showed that heavy drinkers had a higher risk of dying from any cause.
These and similar findings highlight the importance of increasing public awareness and education about the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption.
As our understanding of the link between alcohol and cancer grows, it is becoming increasingly clear that what many people consider a harmless indulgence can carry serious health consequences. more important than we once thought.
Alcohol damages DNA
The story does not stop at numbers, but also extends to every cell in our body, where the journey of alcohol begins. When we drink, our bodies break down alcohol into acetaldehyde, a substance that can damage DNA.
This means that alcohol can change our DNA and cause changes called mutations, which can cause cancer. The story becomes more complicated when we consider the ways in which alcohol interacts with the body.
Alcohol can reduce the absorption of nutrients and vitamins, change hormone levels and even make it easier for harmful chemicals to penetrate cells in the mouth and throat.
Alcohol can also affect the bacteria in the gut, also known as the microbiome – which is important for our health and survival.