A new set of researches at the National Cancer Institute in Rockville, Maryland have claimed that moderate consumption of any type alcohol can possibly avert the risk of thyroid cancer. The researchers searched for a possible link between alcohol consumption and thyroid cancer risk and it was reported that alcoholic beverages bestow a protective effect on the neck gland. The study was published in the British Journal of Cancer. To learn how alcohol can prevent thyroid cancer, first take a look at the comprehensive details given about thyroid cancer.
Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
- Lump situated in the front neck, exactly below the Adam’s apple.
- Changed voice— hoarseness or difficulty in speaking.
- If the cancerous tumour metastasises to the lymph nodes in the neck, they enlarge.
- Cancer compresses the oesophagus (food pipe) making it hard for the patient to swallow things or he/she may feel that his/her throat is choking.
- If cancer invades trachea (wind pipe), breathing becomes difficult.
- Persistent pain in the neck or throat caused by compression due to lump.
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Who are at Risk of Thyroid Cancer?
- Being a female naturally triples the risk of thyroid cancer.
- Prolonged radiation exposure.
- Risk increases after 45 years of age or above.
- If you have had a history of thyroid lumps.
- Family history of thyroid cancer.
- Family history of goiters or colon polyps.
What is Moderate Alcohol Consumption?
For a man, moderate alcohol consumption is four alcoholic drinks a day and an average of 14 drinks per week; for a woman, it is three alcoholic drinks in a day and an average of seven drinks per week, says National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. A standard alcoholic drink means:
- 12-ounce can or bottle of regular beer
- 5-ounce glass of dinner wine
- a shot, which includes one and one-half ounces of 80 proof liquor or spirits, such as vodka, tequila or rum either straight or mixed.
Also Read: Treatment for Thyroid Cancer.
How Alcohol can Prevent Thyroid Cancer?
There is no exact evidence as to how and why alcoholic beverages stave off the risk of thyroid cancer, however, researchers believe that alcohol regulates the release of thyroid hormone due to which there is no accumulation of thyroid in the thyroid gland, thus palliating the chances of thyroid cancer.
The researchers caution that one should not take self-prescribed amount of alcohol to eliminate thyroid cancer risk because there is an absence of convincing evidence in proving the link between alcohol and thyroid cancer risk.
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