Can Moderate Consumption Of Alcohol Cause Cancer? Here’s The Truth – News18
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While earlier studies suggested light to moderate drinking can slightly reduce the risk of diseases, a recent meta-analysis finds this conclusion false.
Regardless of the amount drank, alcohol is a hazardous toxin that can cause harm, including cancer.
Many believe that consuming a few alcoholic drinks per week is harmless, but this is a common misconception. In a recent video, US-based gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi emphasised that no amount of alcohol is truly safe, particularly due to its associated health risks, including cancer.
In the video, Dr. Sethi mentioned a recent advisory that states consuming alcohol increases the risk of developing at least 7 types of cancer, namely mouth, throat, voice box, esophagus, breast, liver and colon. Alcohol is now the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the US after smoking and obesity.
He further added that many people think red wine offers a lot of health benefits. However, there is no “safe” amount of alcohol consumption when it comes to health. While earlier studies suggested light to moderate drinking can slightly reduce the risk of some diseases, a recent meta-analysis conducted by the National Institute of Health finds this conclusion false. According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking alcohol in any amount carries a health risk. While the risk is low in moderate intake, it increases with consumption.
Further, a previous study conducted for 12 years with a population of 135,103 adults aged 60 and older in Spain didn’t find any beneficial relationship between mortality and low drinking habits. The study was published in the National Institute of Health and Welfare last year. A leading author added that alcohol is responsible for raising the risk of cancer from its first drop. As highlighted by Cancer Research, UK, alcohol can increase the risk of the fatal disease in the following ways:
- Damage to cells: Consumption of alcohol produces a chemical called acetaldehyde. This can damage our cells and can also stop cells from repairing this damage.
- Hormone Regulation: Alcohol can increase the levels of some hormones in our bodies, such as oestrogen and insulin. This increases the risk of multiplication of tumours.
- Changes to cells in the mouth and throat: Alcohol makes the cells in these areas more susceptible to absorbing cancer-causing substances.
In conclusion, alcohol is a toxic substance that can cause harm, even cancer, regardless of the amount consumed. The medical expert mentioned that avoiding alcohol is the best step to reduce the risk of cancer and other harmful diseases. He further called for caution by consumers and increased awareness of its potential risks by adding potential advisories on alcohol bottles.
