How Does Alcohol Increase Cancer Risk?
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Alcohol has been part of our cultures for thousands of years, often celebrated for its taste and effects, but it has a dark side. And while it’s no secret that excessive drinking can cause all sorts of medical and social problems, there is another — even sneakier! — danger: the link between alcohol and certain types of cancer. Does alcohol cause cancer? Let’s explore just how alcohol might increase cancer risk — and what we can do about it.
Is alcohol a carcinogen? Yes, but the real risk is its metabolite, acetaldehyde. When we consume alcohol, our bodies set out to break it down, primarily in the liver. In this process, a compound called acetaldehyde is formed. Acetaldehyde is a bit of a rascal. It's a carcinogen, which means it can cause cancer by damaging DNA and stopping our cells from repairing this damage. Over time, this can lead to abnormal cell growth, potentially developing into cancer.
Let’s look into the mechanics of acetaldehyde in a bit more detail. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified this volatile compound in the highest risk category: it’s a Group 1 carcinogen alongside substances like tobacco smoke and asbestos.
But how exactly does acetaldehyde contribute to cancer development? There are several ways it exerts its harmful effects:
Our bodies do have defense mechanisms against acetaldehyde, such as the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which breaks down acetaldehyde into a non-toxic substance. However, certain individuals have a variant of the ALDH enzyme that works less efficiently, leading to a flushed complexion and an accumulation of acetaldehyde after drinking. This population may have a higher risk of alcohol-related cancers.
Alcohol also impacts hormone levels, especially sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. These hormonal imbalances are another route by which alcohol can increase cancer risk — particularly breast cancer. Breast cancer and alcohol have a well-established relationship. Let’s discuss the connection!
In women, estrogen promotes the development and maintenance of female characteristics, but it also regulates the growth and division of breast cells. Consuming alcohol can increase levels of estrogen in the body. A higher estrogen level means more cell divisions in breast tissue, increasing the likelihood of mutations and the development of cancer cells. Some of these cell divisions can lead to mutations, and over time, these mutations can accumulate and result in cancer.
Alcohol can also impact other hormones. For instance, it can raise levels of the hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which encourages cells to divide. Higher levels of IGF-1 have been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.
Additionally, alcohol can affect the liver's ability to regulate hormone levels due to the liver's role in detoxifying alcohol and metabolizing hormones. This can lead to hormonal imbalances and further increase the risk of cancer.
The hormonal effects of alcohol contribute to the risk of several cancers. Apart from breast cancer, alcohol-related hormonal imbalances can increase the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers in women, and possibly prostate cancer in men.
In addition to triggering these internal mechanisms, alcohol can increase cancer risk indirectly by making it easier for other harmful processes to take place.
Alcohol can act as a solvent, making it easier for carcinogenic chemicals — such as tobacco smoke — to enter our cells. It can also weaken our immune system, making it harder for us to fight off diseases, including cancer.
So how can we use this information to live healthier lives? For one, cutting back on alcohol or abstaining altogether can significantly reduce our risk.
Here are some additional changes that can make a big difference:
Together, we can navigate the journey to a healthier, happier life. Remember, every little step counts!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
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