There is increasing evidence linking alcohol consumption to the risk of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the more alcohol a person drinks, the higher their risk of developing certain types of cancer.

It is estimated that about 3.5% of all cancer deaths in the United States are attributed to alcohol consumption.

What Are the Types of Cancer Linked to Alcohol Consumption?

Alcohol consumption has been linked to several types of cancer, including:.

Breast cancer
Colon and rectal cancer
Liver cancer
Lung cancer
Mouth, throat, and voice box cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Stomach cancer

How Does Alcohol Lead to Cancer?

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer in a few different ways:.

Alcohol acts as a carcinogen, which means it promotes the development of cancer cells. This is because alcohol can damage DNA and other important cellular structures.
Alcohol consumption can increase the production of certain hormones in the body, which can lead to the development of some types of cancer.
Alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients that help protect against cancer. For example, alcohol consumption can decrease the levels of folic acid in the body, which has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Alcohol also weakens the immune system, which can make it harder for the body to fight off cancer cells.

How Much Alcohol Increases the Risk of Cancer?

The risk of developing cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. It is recommended that men drink no more than 2 standard alcoholic drinks per day, and women drink no more than 1 drink per day. A “standard” drink is defined as:.

12 ounces of beer
5 ounces of wine
1.5 ounces of distilled spirits

Drinking more than these amounts on a regular basis can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer and other health problems.

Yes, some people may be more at risk than others. For example, people who are heavy drinkers, or who have a family history of cancer, may be more susceptible to the cancer-related effects of alcohol consumption.

Additionally, people who smoke, or who have certain types of viral infections (such as human papillomavirus or hepatitis B or C), may be at an increased risk.

Can the Risk of Cancer Be Reduced by Quitting Alcohol?

Yes, quitting alcohol or reducing the amount of alcohol consumed can lower the risk of developing cancer. However, it is important to note that the risk reduction may take several years to become noticeable.

Conclusion

There is strong evidence linking alcohol consumption to the risk of developing cancer. To reduce the risk of cancer and other health problems, it is recommended that adults drink no more than 2 standard drinks per day (1 for women) on a regular basis.

Quitting alcohol or reducing the amount of alcohol consumed can also lower the risk of cancer over time.