Why would alcohol increase the risk of developing cancer?
Unfortunately for all of us who enjoy a glass or two of wine (or other preferred beverage), we are facing an increased risk of developing certain cancers if we choose to partake. Research has shown a link with alcohol consumption and many different types of cancer.
Despite the potential health benefits of red wine, all forms of alcohol are known human carcinogens (substance known to cause cancer). The reason being is the byproduct of alcohol when it is broken down in the body. When we drink alcohol it breaks down into a chemical called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is toxic and damages DNA and even prevents repair of the damaged DNA. Acetaldehyde also increases free radicals in our bodies which also increases DNA damage through a process called oxidation (oxidation and free radicals are the reason we want antioxidants in our diet and take supplements to combat this damage).
When DNA is damaged and not repaired correctly, cell replication can become abnormal with the potential to lead to cancer and tumor formation.
The amount of alcohol tends to be related the level of risk an individual has for developing alcohol associated cancers. It does not matter the type of alcohol, just that the substance contains alcohol. The more a person drinks, particularly on a regular basis, the more risk they are accruing.
Breast cancer
Alcohol increases estrogen levels in the body - which can feed estrogen driven hormonal cancers such as certain breast cancers
Studies have found an increased risk of breast cancer in correlation with the amount of alcohol intake. A moderate drinker has a 1.23 fold increase in risk of breast cancer from a non drinker and a heavy drinker has a 1.6 fold higher risk of developing breast cancer
Head and neck cancer
Moderate to heavy drinkers have a significantly elevated risk of developing cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx (throat) and neck. Up to 5 fold increase in risk in heavy drinkers
The combined use of alcohol and tobacco increases the risk of developing oral and upper gastrointestinal cancers far more than the use of alcohol or tobacco alone.
Esophageal cancer
Alcohol causes direct tissue and cell damage of the GI tract
Up to 5 fold increased risk in heavy drinkers
Liver cancer
Elevated risk of liver damage and liver cancer with regular consumption of alcohol
Colorectal cancer
Also increased risk, up to 1.5 fold increase in individuals that indulge when compared to non-drinkers.
Increased risk of cancer when we carry extra weight:
And last but not least, alcohol does have many empty calories. Excessive calories leads to weight gain and being overweight and/or obese is also an independent risk factor for developing certain cancers. Here is an article from NIH on obesity and cancer which we will work on addressing in an upcoming blog post.
Should you give up alcohol?
Although no one can answer that question, it is all a choice. There are many things we cannot control in life but what we put into our bodies is definitely under our control. Maybe you switch out your nightly glass of wine for tea (choose one with antioxidants for extra measure) a few times per week. Not only will that reduce your regular consumption but will benefit you with more antioxidants to combat the free radicals produced! If you have many risk factors for developing cancer you may weight your options and decide it is not worth the risk. On the contrary, you may have minimal risk factors and find that moderate consumption of a social beverage may be a risk factor your are will to live with.
I am not endorsing living your life by estimating risk…. that may not be a life worth living. But understanding the facts and risks that we face can help us make conscious and informed decisions. I enjoy a glass of wine despite knowing this is a carcinogen because we still have to enjoy the fun things in life. But I do wear my seatbelt in the car every time I drive to reduce my risk of injury in a crash. Our goal here at Field Guides to Cancer Care is to bring you information on health because we believe that knowledge is power. When you have the right information, you can make the right choice for you. I find the more I understand, the more I am able to navigate what is important to me. My hope is that this information will empower you, even if it just becomes a tidbit of information to pass on a wine party!