Reduced Alcohol Intake May Prevent The Chances of Developing Cancer: Study

Drinking alcohol has long been associated with various health hazards including development of cancers in the body. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and according to a newly released position paper, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), there are strong links between drinking alcohol and risks of developing several types of cancer. Alcohol consumption is known to increase the risk of several cancers, including head and neck, esophageal, liver, colorectal and female breast cancers.

Alcohol is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Cancer Research. Approximately 3.5 percent of all cancer deaths in the US, that is about 19,500 deaths are alcohol related, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The ASCO statement also suggests that while the greater risks are seen with heavy long-term use, even low alcohol consumption or moderate consumption can increase cancer risk.

Among women, light drinkers have a four percent increased risk of breast cancer, while moderate drinkers have a 23 percent increased risk of the disease. Heavy drinkers who consume more than eight drinks a day have a 63 percent increased risk of female breast cancer because alcohol increases levels of the female sex hormone estrogen.

Heavy drinkers of both genders increase their risk of head and oral cancers by more than 500 percent because tissues come into direct contact with alcohol carcinogens. All forms of alcohol; be it beer, wine, champagne or shots cause the same cancer risk.

Therefore, it is imperative to reduce alcohol consumption to avoid serious repercussions in the longer run. While it is okay to drink occasionally (read rarely), you shouldn't be making a habit out of it.