Cancer & Alcohol

Alcohol abuse has been linked to a variety of cancers in studies. The US Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program has ordered alcohol classification as a human cancer-causing agent, assessing that it causes 3.5 percent of cancer in the country. Moderate to serious alcohol abuse can result in a variety of head and neck cancers, as well as esophageal cancer. Breast cancer, colon cancer, and liver cancer have all been linked to alcohol use. More study on the link between alcohol and cancer is being conducted; some data suggests that alcohol may raise the incidence of melanoma, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Although there is a widespread belief that red wine can help prevent cancer, a study has found no evidence to back this up. All sorts of alcoholic beverages raise cancer risk.

Colon and Rectal Cancers and Alcohol

Alcohol abuse has also been linked to an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer, despite the fact that it may appear unrelated. This correlation has been established, and all studies show that it is stronger in men than in women. Both men and women have a strong link between drinking alcohol and an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer. Dr. Mark Pochapin, professor and director of NYU Langone Medical Center’s Division of Gastroenterology, says there is “strong data from meta-analysis that demonstrates the more you drink, the higher your risk for colorectal cancer.” Pochapin explains how drinking alcohol raises the risk of developing polyps, which can progress into colorectal cancer.

Breast Cancer and Alcohol

Alcohol has a variety of effects on various regions of the body. Even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of developing cancer and worsen symptoms if they already exist in certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer. Alcohol “may raise estrogen levels in the body, which might make sense of a portion of the expanded risk,” as per the National Cancer Institute. For what reason can having an excessive amount of estrogen make you sick? How much estrogen and progesterone delivered by a lady’s ovaries has been connected to her risk of breast cancer in examinations. The risk of breast cancer has been associated to long-term and/or high-level exposure to certain hormones. It’s critical to recognize that reducing alcohol use can help many women reduce their breast cancer risk.  

Liver Cancer and Alcoholism

Alcohol is processed and metabolized in part by the liver. Most alcohol is separated, or utilized, by a compound called alcohol dehydrogenase, which is found in the cells of your liver. ADH switches alcohol over completely to acetaldehyde, which is expeditiously changed over completely to acetic acid derivation by another protein called aldehyde dehydrogenase. Long term alcohol use has been connected to a higher risk of liver cancer. Liver damage, such as inflammation and scarring, caused by alcohol wreaking havoc on a healthy, working liver, is one of the key contributing causes to this elevated risk.

Take The Necessary Step Today

Despite the fact that the American Cancer Society advises against drinking alcohol because of the link between it and cancer, many people continue to do so. A life of sobriety has several health advantages. Maintaining abstinence from alcohol will help you stay healthy and lower your risk of acquiring cancer. If you or your loved one is battling alcohol addiction, please visit Mallard Lake Detox Center in Houston. Here our compassionate staff will assess your situation and suggest a treatment regime.