Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 6: Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, following tobacco and obesity, according to a new report released by the US surgeon general. The advisory, issued last week, calls for all alcoholic beverages whether beer, wine, or spirits to carry a cancer risk warning label similar to those on cigarette packs.
The report highlights the stark reality that alcohol is responsible for approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 related deaths annually in the US It also challenges the long-standing argument, particularly by alcohol companies, that moderate drinking can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Growing research shows that even consuming just one alcoholic drink a day can elevate the risk of developing various cancers, including those of the breast, mouth, and throat.
How does alcohol lead to cancer?
The report outlines four key mechanisms through which alcohol contributes to cancer development:
- DNA damage: Alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage DNA and interfere with the body’s ability to repair it. This process can lead to mutations and uncontrolled cell growth, which are fundamental in tumour formation.
- Oxidation and inflammation: Acetaldehyde is further broken down into acetate in a process that produces unstable oxygen molecules. These molecules can damage cells and contribute to inflammation, a key factor in cancer development.
- Increased risk from tobacco: Carcinogens found in tobacco can dissolve in alcohol, allowing them to be more easily absorbed into the body, further raising cancer risks, especially in people who smoke while drinking.
- Hormone production: Alcohol consumption raises levels of certain hormones, including estrogen, which is linked to increased risks for breast and ovarian cancers.
Cancers linked to alcohol use
The surgeon general’s report specifies several cancers that are linked to alcohol consumption, including breast, colon, rectum, esophagus, liver, mouth, throat, and larynx cancers. According to Dr Vivek Murthy, US surgeon general, even moderate alcohol consumption can significantly increase the risk for certain cancers.
The report also highlights the impact of alcohol on the mucosal lining the protective barrier found in the mouth, nose, lungs, and stomach. Alcohol irritates and damages this lining, making it easier for carcinogens to enter and damage cells.
How likely is it to develop alcohol-related cancer?
The likelihood of developing an alcohol-related cancer varies depending on the level of alcohol consumption. The report states that approximately 10 out of every 100 men who drink less than one alcoholic beverage per week will develop an alcohol-related cancer. This increases to 11 out of 100 for those who consume one drink daily and 13 out of 100 for those who consume two drinks daily.
For women, the risk of developing breast cancer increases with alcohol consumption. Women who drink less than one drink per week have about 11 cases of breast cancer per 100 women, while the number rises to 13 per 100 for those who consume one drink daily, and 15 per 100 for those who consume two drinks daily.
Defining one drink
The US centres for disease control and prevention (CDC) defines one standard alcoholic beverage as:
- 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor
- 5 ounces of wine with 12% alcohol
- 12 ounces of beer with 5% alcohol
As public health advocates push for clearer labelling and more education on the risks associated with alcohol consumption, this report underscores the urgent need to address alcohol as a significant public health issue, especially considering its impact on cancer rates.