We all know that excessive alcohol consumption isn't great for our health. But did you know it can also increase your risk of developing cancer? That's right, along with harming your liver and increasing your risk of accidents, alcohol is a risk factor for several types of cancer.
Talking to the Onlymyhealth team, Dr Anil Heroor, HOD & Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said, “While 5% to 10% of cancer cases are linked to genetics and factors that are beyond our control, the majority are tied to lifestyle decisions like drinking excessive alcohol. Even occasionally indulging in alcohol may seem harmless, these behaviours can lead to serious long-term health issues if practised regularly and without considering the risks.”
How Does Alcohol Cause Cancer?
Before understanding how alcohol causes cancer, you must be thinking about how much is too much alcohol. According to the National Cancer Institute, drinking four or more drinks per day is considered heavy drinking and can put you at risk of cancer.
The organisation explained how exactly alcohol causes cancer:
- Cell Damage: When consumed, alcohol is converted into acetaldehyde, a chemical that can damage cells and impair their ability to repair this damage.
- Hormonal Changes: Alcohol consumption can elevate levels of hormones like oestrogen and insulin. These hormones, which act as chemical messengers, can lead to increased cell division, raising the risk of cancer.
- Mouth and Throat Cell Alterations: Alcohol can enhance the absorption of harmful chemicals by cells in the mouth and throat, leading to damage.
It's important to note that any form of alcohol, whether beer, wine, or spirits, can harm the body, even in small quantities. According to the World Health Organisation, 4.4% of cancers diagnosed globally and 4 lakh cancer deaths were attributed to alcohol consumption.
Types Of Cancer Caused By Alcohol
According to Cancer Research UK, drinking alcohol increases the risk of seven different types of cancer:
Breast Cancer
Alcohol can raise oestrogen levels in the body, a hormone linked to the development of breast cancer. Even low levels of alcohol consumption can heighten this risk, making it important for people, particularly women, to consider limiting their alcohol intake.
Bowel Cancer
Alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer. Regular and heavy drinking can damage the lining of the colon and rectum, leading to the development of cancerous cells. Alcohol can also interact with other dietary and lifestyle factors, exacerbating the risk.
Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, is strongly associated with alcohol consumption. Alcohol can irritate the cells in the mouth, making them more susceptible to becoming cancerous. This risk is compounded when alcohol is consumed in combination with tobacco, as both substances can act synergistically to damage oral tissues.
Oesophagus Cancer
The oesophagus, or food pipe, is vulnerable to cancer due to alcohol consumption. Alcohol can cause chronic irritation and inflammation of the oesophageal lining, leading to cellular damage and an increased risk of cancer. Heavy drinking is particularly dangerous, as it greatly amplifies the likelihood of developing oesophageal cancer.
Larynx Cancer
Alcohol can contribute to the development of laryngeal cancer, which affects the voice box. The larynx is exposed to alcohol when it is consumed, and repeated exposure can lead to cellular changes and cancer. The risk is even higher for individuals who also smoke, as both alcohol and tobacco are known carcinogens.
Pharynx Cancer
Alcohol can cause inflammation and damage to the tissues of the pharynx, or upper throat, increasing the likelihood of cancer development. This risk is heightened by the concurrent use of tobacco.
Liver Cancer
Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver diseases such as cirrhosis, which significantly increases the risk of liver cancer. Alcohol metabolism in the liver produces harmful substances that can damage liver cells and promote cancerous changes.
Also Read: Did You Know That Alcohol Impacts Women Worse Than Men? Here’s Why
So if you are one of those who only considers liver damage and at the very least a hangover as a potential side effect of drinking alcohol, you need to reconsider your choices. Alcohol is very much a risk factor for cancer, causing approximately four lakh reported deaths every year. Thus, limiting or abstaining from alcohol is essential for cancer prevention.