Alcohol consumption is high globally, and it poses a major health risk. Alcohol has been linked to several conditions, including cancer. Alcohol’s link to cancer is an increasing public health concern that many people are unaware of. A new report from U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy emphasised the urgent need for greater awareness while highlighting the connection between alcohol consumption and several cancers.
NBC News explored the report, presenting insights from medical professionals that addressed important questions regarding alcohol consumption and cancer. In this article, we will delve into six essential points doctors want the public to understand.
1. Alcohol and Cancer: A Well-Established Link
Individuals who consume alcohol are at risk of developing certain cancers, including cancers associated with the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, breast, and colon. Alcohol, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), is just as dangerous as tobacco. Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by WHO. This group also includes tobacco and asbestos. Alcohol consumption has been described as a modifiable cancer risk factor by the president of the American Medical Association, Dr. Bruce Scott.
2. No Safe Level of Alcohol Consumption
Some people think it may be safe to drink alcohol occasionally or in moderation. However, WHO and associate professor Paul Gilbert of the University of Iowa shared that no amount is safe regarding cancer risk. Alcohol consumption can lead to your body’s DNA and proteins being damaged. It can also disrupt hormonal balance and increase the absorption of carcinogens such as those in tobacco.
The risk of developing cancer from alcohol consumption increases when your alcohol intake is high. A study in 2020 shared that women faced a 17% risk while men faced a 10% risk if they consumed less than one drink of alcohol per week. However, the risk increases to 22% for women and 13% for men if they have two drinks per day.
3. Alcohol as a Preventable Cause of Cancer
Alcohol is ranked among the top three preventable causes of cancer in the United States. Almost 100,000 cancer cases in the US are annually linked to alcohol consumption. There are also around 20,000 annual deaths from this beverage. However, the health risks posed by alcohol consumption continue to go unrecognised by the public, and doctors have been emphasising the need for awareness.
4. Can Quitting Alcohol Reverse the Damage?
Quitting alcohol can improve your blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall health, but it is unclear how long it takes for the cancer risk to be reduced. While studies have shown that the health risks related to smoking reduce within a decade for former smokers, the cancer risks associated with alcohol can take decades to decline. For instance, the risk of liver cancer in former drinkers may take up to 20 years to reduce completely. Research indicates that a person’s family history and the extent of the damages they suffered from drinking contribute to the timeline.
5. All Types of Alcohol Pose Risks
Cancer is linked to the ethanol molecules found in beverages, which means all alcoholic drinks are dangerous. Beer, wine, and liquor can all lead to cancer. Rather than focusing on the type of drink, individuals are urged to consider the concentration or quality of alcohol, which is a major factor.
6. Policy Changes Could Drive Awareness
The Surgeon General’s report suggested that warning labels on alcoholic beverages could reduce alcohol-related cancer risks. The report also urged individuals to follow the United States recommended drinking limits. However, since research shows that no amount is entirely safe, the risk of cancer can still increase. Outside of the United States, countries like Canada have considered this and instilled stricter guidelines indicating how dangerous alcohol is.
Dr Rotonya Carr from the University of Washington suggested that better health campaigns could help the public understand and recognise the scientific evidence linking alcohol consumption to cancer risks.
