How does consuming alcohol put the body at risk of developing cancer?

 

Lifestyle habits and environmental factors can affect a person's cancer risk. Dr. Paolo Boffetta is an epidemiologist and one of the leading researchers on cancer and other chronic diseases. He has contributed to understanding the role of occupation, environment, alcohol, smoking, and nutrition in disease development. This blog post discusses the link between cancer and alcohol consumption.

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Drinking alcohol can cause cellular damage due to oxidative stress leading to reactive oxygen species in the cells. Alcohol also turns into acetaldehyde inside the body, which can cause damage to the DNA cells. While many are familiar that alcohol can inflame and scar the liver, many people don't know that these can alter the liver cells.

Those who are considered heavy drinkers are five times more at risk than casual drinkers. They can develop mouth, throat, and esophageal cancers as alcohol can damage tissues in these parts of the body. For those who drink and smoke, the danger can be greater as tobacco chemicals can enter the system.

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According to the American Cancer Society, alcohol consumption is one of the most preventable risk factors for cancers. However, many are unaware that this is the cause behind 6% of all cancers and 4% of all cancer-related deaths in the United States alone. For millions of people, drinking alcohol is a part of their social lives, and it can also be a way to relax. Experts like Dr. Paolo Boffetta suggest up to two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. But even with these suggestions, they recommend limiting intake as much as possible to prevent developing not just cancer but also other chronic illnesses.

Dr. Paolo Boffetta is an epidemiologist specializing in cancer and chronic disease research. He is a professor and associate director at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York. Visit this page for updates.

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