Alcohol and cancer

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Contents and links: Why can alcohol cause cancer | Tips for cutting down | Where to get help | Lifestyle and cancer

International health organisations like the World Health Organisation agree that alcohol can cause a range of cancers, particularly: Mouth and Oesophagus (gullet), Bowel, Breast, Liver.

 

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 also fattening and this leads to obesity which carries a higher risk. 
Alcohol excess over long periods of time can lead to liver cirrhosis which greatly increases the risk of liver cancer.

 

Tips for cutting down:
  • keep an alcohol diary
  • set yourself an alcohol limit and stick to it
  • pace your drinks by sipping slowly
  • choose non-premium beers
  • alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks
  • try not to drink at home unless socialising
  • find something else to do instead - for example, going to the gym, museum arts clubs.
  • have alcohol-free days to remind yourself you don’t always have to drink.

Extra help:

  • www.drinkaware.co.uk 
  • Drinkline on 0800 917 82 82 (freephone)
  • Alcoholics Anonymous on 0845 769 7555

 

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