Dry Januarys. Sober challenges. “Quit lit” podcasts, apps and books. What’s behind the growing thirst for reducing or quitting alcohol? One factor may be the sobering statistics linking alcohol to an increased risk of seven types of cancer.
In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General has suggested putting cancer warning labels on wine, beer and liquor just like cigarettes. Consider these statistics:
- Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S. That’s after tobacco and obesity.
- Only 45% of adults know alcohol may increase cancer risk.
- Iowa has the second highest and fastest growing rate of new cancers in the U.S. One risk where Iowans stand out is alcohol consumption, says the Iowa Cancer Registry.
- Iowa has the fourth highest incidence of alcohol-related cancer in the U.S. It ranks fourth in binge drinking.
Weighing the risks and benefits
Richard Deming, MD, of the MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center in Des Moines, Iowa, says it’s a matter of weighing the risks and benefits.
"While over 90% of people in the U.S. know that cigarette smoking increases the risk of cancer, fewer than 50% of Americans know that alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer,” Dr. Deming said. “The recent Surgeon General's report is intended to help educate Americans about the risk of alcohol consumption. As with anything in life, we need to discuss the risks and benefits of lifestyle choices.”
Dr. Deming added, “It's becoming more and more clear that what we previously thought were ‘safe amounts’ of alcohol consumption may increase our risk of cancer. However, many people find that alcohol consumption may enhance their social lives. Each person must make their decision based on risks and benefits.”
The links to cancer
The National Institutes of Health says these types of cancer can be caused by drinking:
- Liver cancer
- Mouth cancer
- Throat cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Breast cancer in women
- Stomach cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Why drinking alcohol increases your cancer risk
Drinking alcohol increases your risk for cancer in these ways:
- Ethanol contained in alcohol breaks down in the body and becomes a known carcinogen, which damages DNA and prevents cells from repairing damage. This allows cancerous cells to grow.
- Hormones: Alcohol alters hormones like estrogen in women. Cell growth and division are caused by hormones sending them messages. As more cells divide, the chances for developing breast cancer increase.
- Weight gain: Alcohol, in excess, adds a lot of calories to your diet and can cause weight gain. For example, one glass of white wine has about 120 calories, mainly from sugar. Being overweight, as well as drinking alcohol, puts you at a higher cancer risk.
- Nutrition deficiency: Nutrients and vitamins are more difficult for your body to absorb when consuming alcohol. Vitamins like A, B1, B6, C, D, E, K, and folate, iron and selenium, all responsible for immunity and protecting cell damage, reduce inflammation and help repair our DNA.
- Smoking and alcohol: if you drink alcohol and smoke tobacco, you’re at a higher risk of cancers like mouth and throat. Because alcohol makes cells more sensitive to substances that cause cancer, like tobacco, the combination puts you at a higher risk.
What are we drinking?
Public experts recommend limiting alcohol to one drink per day for women and two for men to avoid health risks like cancer.
A standard drink is any drink that contains 14 grams of alcohol. This is equal to:
- 12 ounces of beer
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of liquor
Treatments and life changes
If you're diagnosed with cancer due to alcohol, treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Most health experts recommend making lifestyle changes now. Reducing your alcohol intake, such as having two drinks a week instead of four, may be an option for you. The best way to avoid health risks from alcohol is stopping altogether and choosing non-alcoholic drinks.
If you think you have a problem with alcohol, consult with your primary care provider about substance abuse treatment options.
This blog was reviewed by a MercyOne medical provider.
