Seven different variants of cancer due to alcohol

On which types of cancer is the consumption of alcohol beneficial?

The consumption of alcohol is unhealthy and can lead to serious illnesses. Many people are aware that regular drinking can have serious health consequences. But most people are probably not aware that seven different types of cancer are favored by the consumption of alcohol.

Scientists from the American Society for Clinical Oncology found in their recent research that drinking alcohol favors the emergence of seven types of cancer. The researchers published the results of their study in the journal "Journal of Clinical Oncology".

Those who drink alcohol regularly endanger their health sustainably. Because the consumption of alcohol demonstrably increases the personal cancer risk. (Image: Syda Productions / fotolia.com)

Alcohol consumption is widespread

Many people drink alcohol on several occasions. This can be, for example, the typical after-work beer, a glass of wine with your partner or a cocktail in a bar on the weekend. A risk awareness is often limited here. In particular, the cancer risk associated with regular alcohol consumption is often underestimated.

The more alcohol, the higher the risk of cancer

Of course, the amount and regularity of consumption plays a crucial role. Nevertheless, so-called casual drinkers and alcoholics share certain health risks through the consumption of alcohol. Already low levels of alcohol intake can increase the likelihood of developing cancer. The more alcohol consumed, the higher the risk of cancer.

73 percent of Americans drink alcohol

In a 2013 survey, approximately 73 percent of Americans reported having used alcohol. Back then, just under 13 percent of participants said that they regularly drink until full frenzy (colloquially referred to as binge drinking or in English-speaking countries as binge drinking). The survey also showed that the consumption of alcohol jumped between the year 2001 and the year 2002. Alcohol consumption had generally increased by about 11 percent. Drinking at high risk had increased by 30 percent and there were 50 percent more people with a so-called drinking problem. The experts see the current results as a warning to all alcohol consumers, of whom there are many, not just in America.

People should generally drink less alcohol

At the present time, probably already five percent of cancer cases and deaths attributable to the consumption of alcohol, experts estimate. And the observed trend is unfortunately increasing. The findings of the study show that the risk of developing cancer in seven different species could be reduced if people affected limited their alcohol intake, or even preferred to stop altogether, say the researchers.

Which types of cancer are demonstrably favored by the consumption of alcohol?

For some types of cancer it could be shown that there is a strong correlation between the consumption of alcohol and the development of cancer. Even small and medium amounts of alcohol can lead to the development of cancer. The cancers proven to be alcoholic included oral cancer, pharyngeal cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer and colon cancer. There could also be a link between the consumption of alcohol and other types of cancer, but there was no definitive evidence in the current investigation, the researchers report.

Self-responsible and controlled use of alcohol is the goal

Alcohol consumption is a danger to health. This is especially true if there is an increased risk of developing cancer due to genetic factors, pre-existing conditions, malnutrition or smoking. Although there are quite a few people who drink too much alcohol, a general ban on alcohol would not be a success, according to researchers. Instead, more education is needed so that people hopefully handle alcohol more responsibly in the future, say the ASCO experts. A self-responsible and controlled use of alcohol must be the goal.

Alcohol only mixed with other drinks leads to cancer?

Some older studies have already shown an association between alcohol and cancer. However, scientists assumed that the alcohol consumed mixed with other beverage ingredients could have led to cancer. However, it is now clear that the alcohol consumed, regardless of other substances, can lead to cancer.

Other types of cancer could be favored by the consumption of alcohol

According to the researchers, not only body parts are affected by the increased risk of cancer, which come into direct contact with alcohol, such as the mouth and throat. For example, the human liver may develop cancer as a result of alcoholic cirrhosis. This suggests that there are other types of cancer that can result from consuming too much alcohol. (As)