Alcohol and tobacco consumption multiplies mouth cancer risk, warns study

Research reveals that people who consume locally brewed alcohol face higher risk of getting mouth cancer. (Picture Credit: Pexels)

• Daily alcohol and chewing tobacco increase mouth cancer risk.
• Local alcohol has higher cancer risk due to contaminants and high alcohol content.
• Alcohol and chewing tobacco raise mouth cancer risk over four times.

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They say limit alcohol. But new research suggests even that advice may not go far enough, so what’s the limit then?

For years, moderate drinking has been framed as a manageable risk, something that could be balanced with healthy choices.

Nevertheless, fresh evidence published in BMJ Global Health reveals a far more troubling picture. According to researchers, even one standard alcoholic drink a day may increase the risk of mouth cancer, particularly in countries where chewing tobacco is common.

The large comparative study, conducted across multiple centres in India, found that drinking as little as nine grams of alcohol a day, roughly one standard drink, was linked to a 50 per cent higher risk of cancer of the buccal mucosa, the soft tissue lining the mouth. The danger was even greater for people who regularly consumed locally brewed alcohol, much of which is unregulated and can contain high levels of harmful contaminants.

Perhaps most alarming was the combined effect of alcohol and chewing tobacco. When both habits occurred together, the risk did not simply add up, it multiplied. Researchers estimate that this interaction may account for nearly 62 per cent of all mouth cancer cases in the country.

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Mouth cancer is already a growing crisis in India. It is now the second most common cancer nationwide, with more than 140,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Survival rates remain low, with fewer than half of patients living beyond five years after diagnosis. While tobacco has long been recognised as a major cause, this study suggests alcohol plays a much larger role than previously believed.

To untangle the effects, researchers compared over 1,800 people with mouth cancer to nearly 1,900 without the disease. Participants were asked detailed questions about their drinking habits, from beer and spirits to locally brewed drinks such as mahua and desi daru, as well as their use of smokeless tobacco. Even among light drinkers, the risk was clear and consistent.

Here’s what the research reveals about alcohol and mouth cancer

No safe threshold

Even very small amounts of alcohol were linked to higher cancer risk. There was no clear point at which alcohol became “safe”.

Local brews carry extra danger

People who consumed locally brewed alcohol faced the highest risk, possibly due to toxic contaminants and extremely high alcohol content.

Alcohol and tobacco are a lethal mix

Using alcohol alongside chewing tobacco increased mouth cancer risk more than fourfold.

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Rural communities are especially vulnerable

Higher exposure to unregulated alcohol and smokeless tobacco places rural populations at greater risk.

Prevention could save lives

Researchers suggest that reducing alcohol and tobacco use could prevent the majority of mouth cancer cases.

While moderation has long been promoted as the answer, this research suggests that when it comes to mouth cancer, there may be no harmless amount at all.

FAQs on harmful effects of excess alcohol consumption:

Q. What does excess alcohol consumption mean?

Excess alcohol consumption means drinking alcohol too often or in large amounts, which can negatively affect both physical and mental health.

Q. How does excessive alcohol affect the body?

Too much alcohol can harm major organs like the liver, heart, and brain. It can also weaken the immune system and interfere with proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Q. Can excess alcohol impact mental health?

Yes. Excessive alcohol use can affect mood, concentration, and sleep patterns, and may increase feelings of stress, anxiety, or sadness over time.

Q. What are the long-term health risks of drinking too much alcohol?

Long-term risks include liver damage, heart problems, digestive issues, and an increased risk of certain diseases. It can also affect memory and decision-making.

Q. Why is moderation or avoidance important, especially for young people?

Young bodies and brains are still developing. Avoiding or limiting alcohol helps protect brain development, supports better focus and learning, and promotes overall long-term health.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.