Substance addiction is the abuse of alcohol, illegal or prescription drugs, or over-the-counter drugs. The line between use and abuse is not always clear and often feels like losing control of cancer which might be related to a tertiary mechanism, such as an individual's participation in poly-drug addiction, the propensity of drug addicts while ignoring personal hygiene, and health amongst other factors. Long-term abuse of any drug can increase the risk for numerous health problems, including the risk of developing cancer. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Niti Raizada, Director - Medical Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Fortis Hospitals, Bangalore, about the relationship between substance abuse and risk of cancer, and ways to reduce the risk.
What is the relationship between substance abuse and cancer?
1. Tobacco is the leading cause of lung cancer and accounts for 80% of cancer deaths; 3,500 per day in India alone. There is no safe level of using tobacco and consumption in any form including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco is harmful to the body. Chewing tobacco is associated with oral cavity and pancreatic cancers. Exposure to passive smoking can increase the chances of lung cancer.
2. Alcohol might be appealing to people who want to reduce feelings of isolation, fear, or depression. As per the Lancet Oncology Journal, heavy alcohol use was associated with 5% of cancer diagnoses last year while the National Cancer Institute attributes 3.5% of deaths due to the same. Alcohol causes cancer is to interfere with DNA repair leading to cirrhosis and sex hormone deregulation leading to breast cancer. It also increases the risk of head and neck cancer in smokers due to the increased absorption of carcinogens from tobacco.
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3. Anabolic steroids exhibit testosterone-like effects that help increase muscle mass or boost physical performance and can be used to treat many medical conditions. Mostly misused by athletes and bodybuilders, the risks of prostate cancer in men and endometrial cancer in women increases.
4. Opioids being powerful central nervous system (CNS) depressants slow down vital survival systems, including blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, and temperature, addiction of which can risk respiratory depression, overdose, and death.
5. Some people try to self cure their physical symptoms with either marijuana or by abusing medical marijuana increases the risk of testicular cancer, especially in younger people. Studies indicate that marijuana smoke may contain a testicular carcinogen whereas People suffering from high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression may turn to benzodiazepines such as Valium or Xanax. In addition to the general risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse, cancer patients face complications specific to the disease and its treatment like reduced efficacy of treatments or therapies in some, while side effects such as nausea and vomiting in others.
Also read: World Cancer Day 2021: Signs of Blood Cancer You Should Watch Out for
Tips to help reduce the risk of cancer due to substance abuse
According to Dr. Niti, here are some useful tips to reduce the risk of cancer due to substance abuse:
- Maintain a healthy body and immune system by eating lots of fruits and vegetables which helps in accelerated recovery.
- Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol.
- Healthy weight maintenance and physical activity can reduce the risk of various types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, and kidney cancers.
- Learn about dealing with stress, depression, and anxiety. Identifying and managing mental health problems, in addition to drug testing, can help reduce this risk.
- If you need professional help, ask for it.
- Regular self-exams and screenings can help catch cancer early and increase the likelihood of successful treatment.