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Alcohol and cancer |
International health organisations like the World Health Organisation agree that alcohol can cause a range of cancers, particularly:
Why does alcohol cause cancer? This increased association has been established by a number of well conducted clinical trials but evenso to the direct causative link is still uncertain. Evidence is also compromised by knowledge that heavy drinkers also tend to smoke, eat poorly and lack exercise. Some researchers feel the independent alcohol risk lies in the understanding that alcohol is converted into a chemical called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde a carcinogenic, damaging DNA and preventing it being repaired. People who smoke and drink heavily have very high levels of acetaldehyde in their saliva. Alcohol is fattening and this leads to a higher risk. Alcohol excess over long periods of time can lead to liver cirrhosis which greatly increases the risk of liver cancer.
Extra help:
Further general information Your doctors and specialist nurses are in an ideal position to give you relevant information on your disease and treatment as they know your individual circumstances. Cancerbackup has a help line (0808 800 1234) and a prize winning video available in English, Italian, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati & Hindi explaining Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy. Cancernet.co.uk has over 500 pages describing cancer, its management, practical tips and tool which patients, their carers and their doctors have found helpful during the cancer journey.