It is well-known that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of illnesses, however one of the most serious ones is cancer.

Although drinking alcohol does not guarantee the development of cancer, research indicates that people who drink alcohol regularly have a higher risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast, liver, mouth, throat, and colon cancer. In this article, we will explore the relationship between drinking and cancer in more detail.

How does alcohol increase cancer risk?

Alcohol can affect the body in many ways that can lead to the development of cancer. For starters, it can damage DNA in cells, which can trigger mutations that can lead to cancer.

It can also interfere with the body’s absorption of nutrients and prevent the body from repairing damaged cells. This can increase the risk of cancer, as well as other diseases.

Furthermore, alcohol can alter hormone levels in the body. Women who drink regularly, for example, have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, as alcohol can increase estrogen levels.

Similarly, men who consume alcohol regularly have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, as alcohol can increase testosterone levels.

Alcohol also plays a key role in liver cancer. This is because the liver is responsible for breaking down and eliminating toxins from the body, including alcohol.

When you consume large amounts of alcohol, your liver has to work harder to remove it from your system. This can cause damage to liver cells, which can lead to the development of cancer.

How much alcohol is too much?

The amount of alcohol that can increase your risk of developing cancer varies depending on the type of cancer. However, as a general rule, the more you drink, the higher your risk becomes.

For example, drinking more than two drinks per day can increase your risk of breast cancer by 20%. Similarly, drinking more than three drinks per day can increase your risk of liver cancer by 75%.

It’s important to note that it’s not just heavy drinking that carries a risk. Even moderate drinking can increase your risk of developing cancer.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who consumed just one drink per day had a 13% increased risk of developing cancer.

What can you do to reduce your risk?

The best way to reduce your risk of developing cancer is to limit your alcohol consumption.

The World Health Organization recommends that men should drink no more than two standard drinks per day, and women should drink no more than one standard drink per day. It’s also important to have at least two alcohol-free days per week.

Other ways to reduce your risk of cancer include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and attending regular cancer screenings.

By taking steps to improve your overall health, you can reduce your risk of developing cancer and other diseases.

The Bottom Line

Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast, liver, mouth, throat, and colon cancer.

The amount of alcohol that can increase your risk varies depending on the type of cancer, however as a general rule, the more you drink, the higher your risk becomes. Limiting your alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and attending regular cancer screenings are among the best ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer.