Drinking Alcohol Can Lead To Over 20 Types Of Cancer – Experts Warn!

Health experts are sounding the alarm on alcohol-related cancers in India, especially as the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for clear health warning labels on alcoholic beverages. The WHO has long classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen—a category that includes asbestos, radiation, and tobacco.

The Link Between Alcohol and Cancer

Dr Puneet Garg, a Vascular Interventional Radiologist at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, explains, "Alcohol consumption increases the risk of over 20 types of cancer." The most common ones include cancers of the mouth, throat, food pipe, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, and even breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.

So, how does alcohol trigger cancer? Dr Taraprasad Tripathy, an Assistant Professor at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, explains, "When alcohol is metabolized, it turns into acetaldehyde—a toxic compound that damages DNA and proteins, leading to mutations that initiate cancer." Alcohol also reduces the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients like folate and vitamins A, C, D, and E, which are crucial for cell health.

Alarming Statistics On Alcohol And Cancer

Globally, nearly 4 per cent of cancer cases are linked to alcohol consumption, according to the WHO. A study published in The Lancet estimated that in India alone, alcohol was responsible for approximately 62,100 new cancer cases in 2020.

This growing concern has led US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to recommend including cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages. Such warnings could help consumers make informed choices and understand the hidden dangers of alcohol consumption.

How Alcohol Weakens the Immune System

Beyond directly causing mutations, chronic alcohol consumption also weakens the immune system, reducing its ability to fight off cancer cells. Dr Tripathy warns that alcohol-related cancers come with various early symptoms, and recognizing them early can save lives.

Here are some warning signs of alcohol-related cancers:

- Mouth and throat cancer: Persistent sores, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, and a sore throat that won’t heal.

- Esophageal cancer: Difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintended weight loss, chronic cough, and hoarseness.

- Liver cancer: Abdominal swelling, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

- Breast cancer: Lumps in the breast or underarms, changes in breast size or shape, dimpling skin, or nipple discharge.

Early Detection is KeyThe experts stress that early detection significantly improves survival chances. Dr. Garg explains, "If detected early, treatments can be highly effective. But if cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it becomes much harder to treat." Once metastasis occurs—where cancer spreads to organs like the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, and lungs—it can be life-threatening.

What Can Be Done?

1. Limit Alcohol Consumption: WHO states that no amount of alcohol is completely safe. Even moderate consumption increases cancer risk.

2. Regular Screenings: High-risk individuals should undergo regular health check-ups to detect cancer early.

3. Stay Alert to Symptoms: If you notice any unusual symptoms, don’t ignore them—seek medical advice promptly.

Experts explain that prevention is always better than cure. Making healthier lifestyle choices, staying informed, and acting on early warning signs can reduce the risk of alcohol-related cancers.

As awareness grows, the question remains—will stronger warning labels on alcohol bottles be enough to change habits, or is a broader public health campaign needed to tackle the issue?

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