Alcohol and Cancer

There are mounting evidence that alcohol increases the risk of many type of cancers including mouth cancer, oesophagus, larynx, pharynx, liver (especially in men), and also breast cancer.

Regardless of the type, alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer. Whether it is in the form of beer, wine or spirits, it is the alcohol itself that does the damage. Our upper-respiratory tract has sensitive tissues that are directly exposed to alcohol; consuming alcohol will cause damage to our body cells and may lead to cancer. After many years, alcoholic liver cirrhosis will eventually develop and will finally lead to liver cancer.

To lower your risk of getting cancer, you should opt to not drink any alcohol at all or if you have to drink, you should drink in moderation only. Moderate drinking differ from men to women. The recommended amount for women is not more than a drink per day; a drink is equal to a bottle or a can of beer (12oz). For men, the recommended amount is an average of not more than 2 standard drinks per day. The different limit for men and women is because men can metabolize alcohol quicker than the women as they have more muscle. Muscle tissue holds more water than fat, so that more alcohol can be diluted. As woman's body has less muscle and more fat, the alcohol will stay in their bloodstream longer than a man's.

Of course, not everyone who drinks alcohol will develop cancer. But, cancer is more common in people who drink alcohol than people who don't drink. People who stop their consumption of alcohol can significantly reduce their cancer risk. Other than reduce your intake of alcohol, you should also eat in moderation, exercise daily and lead a healthy lifestyle.