Dr Maree Brinkman
If ever the Dry July campaign and those undertaking the challenge needed a boost to their endeavours, then the recent article in the Guardian stating that alcohol caused more than 740,000 cancer cases globally last year is it.
This article outlines information from a recent study published in the Lancet Oncology by Harriet Rumgay et al. which reported that “heavy” and “risky” alcohol consumption was associated with causing several cancers, such as: breast, liver, colon, rectum, oropharynx, larynx and oesophageal cancers in 2020. Even small and moderate amounts of alcohol were reported to potentially increase cancer risk.
Rumgay and colleagues classified alcohol consumption levels as moderate (less than 20g of alcohol or 1-2 standard drinks per day), risky (20-60g or 2-6 standard drinks per day) and heavy drinking (greater than 60g or more than 6 standard drinks per day). They noted that there were regional differences in both consumption levels and corresponding cancer incidence rates, possibly due to genetic, economic, cultural, and social factors. There was also gender differences, with men accounting for around 77% of all the cancer cases caused by alcohol.
Some potential underlying mechanisms by which alcohol is thought to contribute to the cancer process is via its effect on DNA, protein, lipids, and damage done by some of the by-products of alcohol metabolism. Alcohol is also considered to influence the regulation of hormones such as oestrogens and androgens, as well as adding hidden calories to our daily dietary intake and increasing the potential for weight gain and the risk of obesity.
The authors concluded that there needs to be a greater public awareness of alcohol’s potential harm, along with warnings on labels, increased health promotion, and higher taxes to help reduce consumption levels. The take home message was that there was no safe level of alcohol consumption, but whatever your current drinking habits are, it would be wise to cut down and remember that less is best to reduce your risk of cancer.