Alcohol Plays a Major Role in Causing Cancer and Deaths

We are well aware that overexposure to UV rays of the sun leads to skin cancer and cigarette smoking causes lung cancer. However, a new study has revealed that alcohol consumption can also cause cancer of different types. As a matter of fact, drinking alcohol is reported to be responsible for an estimated 3.5% of all cases of cancer deaths in the United States of America. Cancer treatment centers are now emphasizing on ways to prevent alcohol consumption and the cause of cancer. The American Journal of Public Health findings outline the risks of cancer related to alcohol consumption. This is one of the first examinations of the topic in more than 30 years. Researchers involved have analyzed cancers of different organs, including: • colonrn• rectumrn• esophagusrn• female breastrn• liverrn• pharynxrn• larynxrn• mouth During the investigation in 2009, investigators examined various surveys, sales data and U.S mortality data involving more than 220,000 adults on alcohol consumption. rnThe research revealed that more than 15% of deaths caused by breast cancer were linked to use of alcohol. For men, cancers affecting the larynx, pharynx, mouth and esophagus were commonly linked to alcohol consumption. Most of the reported cases of cancer-related deaths were attributable to people who consumed more than 3 drinks or similar alcoholic beverages in a day. However, one third of these reported death cases may be related to those people who drink no more than one and half drinks a day. In 2009, 20,000 cases of cancer deaths were reported to be caused due to alcohol consumption. How Alcohol Contributed to Cancer? Precisely, there is no data to prove how alcohol causes cancer. Although there is enough evidence showing strong correlation between the two, it is not substantial enough to prove. Nonetheless, previous research shows that alcohol can affect the level of estrogen in women. Furthermore, it also acts as a solvent that allows chemicals present in tobacco to enter into the digestive tract. There are some other studies that pointed out that even drinking alcohol in moderate amounts, which includes red wine, can have some health benefits. Although the link between cancer and alcohol is very strong, it is not a widely accepted and appreciated fact by public. As a matter of fact, even some physicians underemphasize the effects of alcohol in causing cancer. However, alcohol is supposedly a major preventable risk factor of cancer that remains hidden. Regardless of the discussions and different views, cancer treatment center emphasizes on the effects of alcohol on cancer and makes it a point to educate patients. Alcohol and Cancer Mortality There are proponents that suggest that alcohol is one of the strongest factors in overall cancer mortality. Increased consumption of alcohol can heighten the risk of cancer. However, there isn’t any defined safe threshold for drinking alcohol and the risk associated with cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption should be included in the cancer prevention methods and strategies as limiting smoking or using tobacco.