Alcohol and Cancer


            Basic Description

            Drinking alcohol can cause cancer. Research shows that men who have two
            alcoholic drinks a day and women who have one alcoholic drink a day have an
            increased chance of developing certain cancers. The more alcohol a person
            consumes, the higher his or her risk of developing some kinds of cancer. The way
            alcohol causes cancer is not completely understood. It could be that alcohol itself
            causes cancer by increasing hormone levels or it may be carcinogenic because of
            the way it is broken down in the body (metabolized), which can make cells more
            vulnerable to other cancer-causing compounds (carcinogens), like tobacco.



            Strength of Evidence

            Many research studies have established the relationship between alcohol use and
            cancer. Risks due to alcohol vary depending on the kind of cancer. The strongest
            associations between alcohol use and cancer are with mouth, esophageal,
            laryngeal, pharyngeal, breast and liver cancers. People who drink heavily and
            smoke cigarettes or use other kinds of tobacco are at even higher risk for most of
            these cancers.



            Cancers Affected

            Oral cancers are six times more common in alcohol users than in non-alcohol users. About 75% to 80% of all
            patients with oral cancer consume alcohol frequently. Smokers who also drink are a much higher risk.

Although the combination of tobacco and alcohol use significantly
increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer, alcohol use
alone also increases the risk of developing the disease.

Alcohol is also a primary cause of liver cancer. Deaths from liver
cancer are higher among heavy alcohol users than among
individuals who do not drink. By altering the liver’s ability to
metabolize some carcinogenic substances into harmless compounds
or to disable certain existing carcinogens, alcohol’s effects may
influence not only liver cancer but other cancers as well.

            Many studies have found an association between alcohol use and the risk of breast cancer. The risk increases
            with the amount of alcohol consumed and is highest among heavy alcohol users. Several studies suggest that
            alcohol may cause some colorectal cancers, but the evidence is not yet conclusive.

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            Opportunities for Risk Reduction

            Drinking alcohol in moderation is key to reducing the risk of alcohol-related cancers. The more someone drinks,
            the higher his or her risk of developing some kinds of cancer. Reducing the amount of alcohol a person drinks
            will sharply reduce cancer risk. Because of the relationship between alcohol and tobacco, quitting smoking will
            also reduce the effect of alcohol on oral, esophageal, pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers.

            Although higher levels of alcohol consumption have been associated with some forms of cancer, moderate
            alcohol intake (two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women) may outweigh the risk of heart
            disease and stroke. The cardiovascular benefits of moderate drinking may outweigh the risk of cancer in men
            over 50 and in women over age 60; however, adults who do not currently drink alcoholic beverages should not
            start drinking alcohol in hopes of reducing their risk for heart disease. Cardiovascular risk can be reduced by not
            smoking, eating a diet low in saturated fat (mainly found in animal sources such as meat and dairy products),
            avoiding obesity, being physically active on a regular basis and controlling blood pressure. Men and women in
            these age groups should discuss and weigh their risks of heart disease, stroke and cancer with their health care
            provider, while also considering other lifestyle options (such as physical activity and good nutrition) for reducing
            risk for these diseases.

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            Emerging Trends

            Emerging trends in the area of alcohol and cancer include:

            Basic research: Research is beginning to focus on the mechanisms by which
            alcohol causes or induces human cancer and, therefore, how to prevent it.
            Scientists are also conducting research to determine the impact that folic acid may
            have in reducing the increased risk of breast cancer from alcohol consumption.

            Specific cancers: A number of studies are focusing on the role alcohol may play
            in the development of breast and colorectal cancers.

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            Additional Resources

            To learn more about alcohol and cancer and the American Cancer Society’s
            programs, please call 1-800-ACS-2345 (toll free) or visit their internet site at
            www.cancer.org

            Additional information on physical activity and cancer may be found at:

                  • National Cancer Institute
                    Cancer Information Service
                    Telephone: 1-800-4-CANCER (toll free)
                    www.nci.nih.gov

                  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
                    www.niaaa.nih.gov

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            Bottom Line:

            Limiting the amount of alcohol a person drinks may help prevent a number of cancers. If alcohol is consumed,
            men should have no more than two drinks per day, and women should have no more than one. In addition, the
            combined use of alcohol and tobacco greatly increases the risk of oral, laryngeal, pharyngeal and
            esophageal cancers.



            ©2006, American Cancer Society, Inc.