Alcohol Consumption Linked to Six Types of Cancer: Experts Warn of Toxic Effects
New research has highlighted the potential harm that alcohol can cause to the body, with more than 5% of all cancer cases being attributed to alcohol consumption, according to the Cancer Progress Report 2024 from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). This makes alcohol the third biggest modifiable risk factor for cancer, following obesity and cigarette smoking.
The lead author of the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2024, Rajarshi Sengupta, PhD, emphasized that excessive levels of alcohol consumption can increase the risk for six different types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, breast, colorectal, liver, and stomach cancers. Additionally, research has shown that alcohol intake at a young age can heighten the risk of developing cancer later in life.
Limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of developing alcohol-related cancers by 8% and the risk of all cancers by 4%, according to the report. Addiction psychiatrist Dr. Adam Scioli of Caron Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania warned that there has been conflicting information about the health effects of alcohol over the years. While some reports suggested potential benefits, it is now clear that alcohol ingestion is a modifiable risk factor for cancer.
Dr. Scioli highlighted that around 75,000 Americans are diagnosed with alcohol-related cancers each year, and the risk increases with higher alcohol consumption levels. He stressed that alcohol is a toxin that can impact various organs in the body, starting from the brain and extending to the colorectal system.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate alcohol use as one drink or less per day for women and two drinks or fewer per day for men. However, even low levels of alcohol consumption can raise the risk of certain cancers, according to the CDC. Dr. Scioli reiterated that there is no added health benefit to alcohol ingestion and that the line between safe and dangerous alcohol consumption levels varies for each individual.
Despite the well-known risks associated with tobacco use, public awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer remains low, with over half of Americans unaware of the increased cancer risk from alcohol consumption. Dr. Sengupta called for public messaging campaigns, such as cancer-specific warning labels on alcoholic beverages, to raise awareness about the risks of alcohol-related cancers.
In order to reduce the burden of alcohol-related cancers, effective clinical strategies that help individuals reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption must be considered. Dr. Scioli emphasized the importance of making the public aware of the risks of moderate to heavy drinking and providing access to support for those who struggle to moderate their alcohol intake.
Overall, the research underscores the importance of understanding the toxic effects of alcohol on the body and taking steps to reduce alcohol consumption to decrease the risk of developing alcohol-related cancers. It is crucial for individuals to be informed about the risks associated with alcohol and to seek help if needed to address any issues with alcohol consumption.