How alcohol affects cancer risk: 5 types of cancer caused by alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer in the mouth and throat by directly damaging and mutating cells that line the mucosal lining. (Image: Canva)

The benefits of alcohol for socialising and relaxation frequently outweigh the risks associated with excessive use. Although the connection between alcohol and liver illness is well known, less individuals are aware of the substantial impact alcohol plays in the development of cancer. Many people are put at risk as a result, which emphasises how urgently the public must be made more aware and educated.

It is essential to comprehend the impact of alcohol on cancer risk in order to prevent and detect the disease early. Numerous scientific research has conclusively shown that alcohol has carcinogenic qualities. Alcoholic beverages are categorised as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organisation (WHO). According to this categorisation, alcohol has a strong potential to cause cancer and is grouped with substances like tobacco smoke, asbestos, and arsenic.

How alcohol affects cancer risk

The mechanism by which alcohol induces cancer is multifocal, says Dr Raman Narang, senior consultant medical oncologist, Andromeda Cancer hospital.

The hazardous substance acetaldehyde, which is created when the body breaks down alcohol, is one of the main contributing factors. Acetaldehyde can cause many mutations by damaging proteins and DNA, says Dr Narang. Furthermore, drinking alcohol might make it more difficult for the body to absorb and use essential nutrients like folate, vitamins A, C, D, and E, which help prevent cancer. Alcohol can also raise oestrogen and other hormone levels linked to hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, which increases the risk even more.

Types of alcohol-related cancers

Dr Narang says that alcohol consumption is linked to a variety of cancers, with some of the most common being cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum, and breast.

Oral and throat cancers: Alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer in the mouth and throat by directly damaging and mutating cells that line the mucosal lining. When tobacco use is added to the risk, the combination effect increases the risk of cancer substantially.

Esophageal cancer: Alcohol's effects are especially harmful to the oesophagus. Long-term alcohol use can cause Barrett's oesophagus, a disorder in which the intestinal lining replaces the damaged esophageal lining and has the potential to develop into cancer.

Liver cancer: One of the body's main organs for detoxification, the liver, is greatly influenced by alcohol. Chronic alcohol consumption can cause cirrhosis, a condition that damages the liver by replacing healthy tissue with scar tissue. This condition affects liver function and fosters the growth of cancer. The most prevalent form of alcohol-related liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma.

Colorectal cancer: Alcohol can change the bacteria in the gut and cause the colon and rectum to produce more toxic substances. The risk of colorectal cancer is increased by these alterations as well as direct harm to the intestinal lining.

Breast cancer: Research on the connection between alcohol and breast cancer is extensive. Oestrogen and other hormones linked to hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer can be elevated by alcohol. It has been demonstrated that even moderate alcohol use increases the risk of breast cancer.

It cannot be disputed that alcohol use and cancer are linked and need immediate treatment. The incidence of malignancies linked to alcohol use can be decreased by raising public awareness and educating the public. Public health may be greatly impacted by being aware of these risks and adopting preventative measures, which highlights the significance of moderation and making educated decisions when it comes to alcohol intake.