Alcohol consumption has been linked to numerous health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, and stroke. However, a new study has added another concern to the list – cancer.

According to a comprehensive study published in the scientific journal The Lancet Oncology, alcohol consumption is accountable for over 365,000 cancer deaths per year, making up almost 5% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide.

How does alcohol cause cancer?

The study concluded that alcohol consumption is linked to cancers of the liver, breast, colon, esophagus, and upper respiratory tract. When alcohol enters the body, it is converted into a substance called acetaldehyde, which can damage DNA and proteins.

This, in turn, leads to cancerous cells forming and spreading throughout the body.

The type of alcohol consumed also played a role in cancer development. According to the study, people who drank liquor, such as vodka, whiskey, or tequila, had a higher risk of developing cancer than those who drank beer or wine.

As a result, the researchers recommend drinking beer or wine if people choose to drink alcohol due to the lower risk of cancer from these options.

What is the risk of developing cancer from alcohol consumption?

The study found that daily alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing cancer by 7%. The risk also increased for those who binge drink, which was defined in the study as consuming six or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting.

The more alcohol an individual consumes, the higher their risk of developing cancer becomes.

The study suggests that the risk of cancers related to alcohol consumption could be reduced if individuals abstain from drinking or reduce their alcohol intake. It is worth noting that the risk of developing cancer is not limited to heavy drinkers.

Moderate drinkers can also develop these cancers, although their risk is lower.

Alcohol consumption and breast cancer

The link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer is among the study’s most significant findings. According to the researchers, alcohol consumption is accountable for over 15% of breast cancer deaths worldwide.

Even moderate drinking (defined as one or two drinks per day) was found to increase the risk of breast cancer by 4-5%. The risk further increases for women who consume three or more drinks per day.

The study recommends that women limit their alcohol consumption to one drink per day to decrease their risk of breast cancer. Women who have a history of breast cancer or increased risk of developing breast cancer should avoid alcohol altogether.

Alcohol consumption and liver cancer

The study concluded that alcohol consumption is accountable for around one-third of all liver cancer deaths. Heavy drinking is the primary cause of liver cancer.

In fact, people who drink heavily (defined as more than three drinks per day) are 10 times more likely to develop liver cancer than those who abstain from drinking. The risk also increases for individuals who develop cirrhosis of the liver.

Alcohol consumption and colon cancer

Alcohol consumption was also linked to colon cancer in the study, although the risk is relatively small compared to the risks of liver and breast cancers. According to the study, alcohol consumption increases the risk of colon cancer by 10%.

Heavy drinkers (defined as three or more drinks per day) have a higher risk of developing colon cancer than moderate drinkers or abstainers.

How can the risk of cancer caused by alcohol consumption be reduced?

The study suggests that the risk of developing cancer from alcohol consumption could be reduced if individuals abstain from drinking or reduce their alcohol intake.

The recommended guidelines by the National Institute of Health (NIH) suggest that men should have no more than two drinks per day and women should have no more than one drink per day.

For those who choose to drink alcohol, the study recommends drinking beer or wine rather than liquor to reduce the risk of cancer.

Lowering alcohol intake, drinking water between drinks, and avoiding binge drinking are also excellent steps to reduce the risk of cancer caused by alcohol consumption.

The bottom line

The study suggests that alcohol consumption is accountable for over 365,000 cancer deaths per year, making up almost 5% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide.

This alarming statistic highlights the need to educate individuals about the risks of alcohol consumption and the importance of moderation. By reducing alcohol intake or abstaining from drinking altogether, individuals can take a significant step towards reducing the risk of developing cancer.