You might have heard from your parent or a friend that a moderate intake of alcohol can lower the risk of heart disease. “But alcohol directly contributes to 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 related deaths each year,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. Since the late 1980s, science researchers have established positive correlations between alcohol intake and risks of cancer. This connection has only strengthened as more evidence emerges, proving the correlation. Any intake of alcohol can increase the risk of at least seven cancers, including breast, colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx).
To understand how alcohol intake correlates with cancer risks, we have to look at the issue from a molecular level. As alcohol enters the body, it breaks down into acetaldehyde(CH3CHO). This molecule is a metabolite that damages DNA as it binds to it. When DNA replication is disrupted, cells start mutating uncontrollably and create a cancerous tumor.
As this is the most direct effect of consuming alcohol, there are more underlying health issues. Oxidative stress occurs when radical levels in one’s body become higher than normal. Free radicals are byproducts from the conversion of food to energy. Although these chemical compounds support crucial body systems such as the immune system, you only need a moderate amount. An unhealthy amount of free radicals leads to cell inflammation and damages DNA. Alcohol disrupts hormone levels in the body such as estrogen, which ultimately leads to DNA damage and breast cancer.
The British Journal of Cancer published their research results by graphing alcohol-related cancer in men and women ranging from ages 45 to 80. Although females are more prone to developing cancer due to drinking compared to men, the quantitative amount in both genders shows an increase in absolute risk (percent chance) of developing cancer as drinks per week go up.
Another study compared a group of alcoholics to those who do not drink. The analysis shows a 10% relative risk increase for women who drink at least once per week to develop breast cancer and a 35% relative risk increase for those who drink more than twice per week, compared to women who don’t drink. Because breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., more people’s lives might be saved if the public were to be educated on the health effects of consuming alcohol.
The U.S. Surgeon General advises alcoholic beverages to have updated labels warning customers of the health risks. The last time these labels were changed was in 1988, stating that pregnant women and drivers should not drink. Countless studies giving warnings for consuming alcohol have been made in a period of almost 40 years. However, the power to make a change to these labels lies with Congress. More approachable ways to raise awareness include letting doctors inform patients in clinical settings about the risk of cancer from consuming alcohol. Additionally, the recommended limits on alcohol intake should also be reassessed to be more up-to-date. This can address misunderstandings and enforce the idea that a moderate intake of alcohol will not benefit one’s health.
