Cancer Risk and Alcohol Consumption - Is There a Link?

 We know that smoking increase the risk of certain types of cancer and primarily lung cancer, significantly. Recent studies have suggested that the same is applicable to drinking alcohol. The natural question to ask here is whether alcohol consumption increases the cancer risk.

A recent research has come up with disturbing results. It links alcohol consumption to an increased level of risk of breast, liver, throat, mouth, rectum and esophagus cancer. This is quite disturbing, indeed. In addition, other studies support the results. 

Despite these findings, there is no clear link established between drinking and the development of malignant tumors in the body. Furthermore, there is no explanation of exactly how alcohol affects these organs and their cells in particular. Another interesting fact to note is that the different types of liquor seem to pose the same level of cancer risk. However, we know that drinks with lower alcohol levels are less dangerous in general.

Another interesting fact that springs from research is that women are more negatively affected by drinking than men. It has been suggested that even limited and moderate drinking can increase the risk of breast cancer significantly. On the other hand, even the high consumption of alcohol in men has not shown to increase the risk of certain types of cancer. 

In general, the increase of risk of this disease due to the consumption of alcohol is unknown. It may be insignificantly small or moderately large. In addition, both researchers and physicians admit that there are different factors that can affect the level of cancer risk liquor consumption poses. It depends on the age and gender of the person and on their family medical history. Additionally, it has been suggested that drinking increases the risk of cancer in smokers the most. 

It seems that there might be a link between cancer risk and alcohol consumption. However, this link is not indentified yet. You are probably asking yourself what you should do in this situation. The reality is that prominent oncologists cannot agree either. Some recommend the consumption of no more than a glass of alcohol two to three times a week. Others say that you will not be at higher risk of developing cancer if you drink a small amount of liquor every day. 

Overall, it is up to you to decide whether to follow the advice of doctors and to what extent. Keep in mind that excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to very serious medical condition, even if it does not have a direct link to cancer risk.