Liver Cancer
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Alcohol is a direct contributor to live cancer. Regular heavy alcohol use can damage the liver, leading to scarring and inflammation. This can increase the chances of developing liver cancer. The liver has the ability to regrow itself after damage, but cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) can inhibit this. Cancer developing at the centers of regrowth will spread rapidly.
The image to the right is an example of a healthy liver (left) and one with cirrhosis (right). |
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Colon and Rectal Cancer
Alcohol generally creates greater risk for these cancers in men than in women, but studies have shown a link in both genders. There is an increased risk of bowel cancer in those that have one drink per day.
Laryngeal Cancer (Voice Box)
Laryngeal cancer is one of four forms of oral cancer. Even those who moderately consume alcohol (one drink per day) have an increased risk. When you stop drinking you can lower your chances of developing this cancer by 2% each year.
Breast CancerA few drinks a week has been linked to increased risk for breast cancer in women, especially those who do not get enough folate. Alcohol raises estrogen levels, which may explain some of the risk. Alcohol increases levels of estrogen, a hormone. This can cause cells to multiply at an uncontrollable rate.
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What Damage Does it Cause?
Damage to body tissues.
Cells damaged by alcohol may try to repair themselves which can lead to mutations in DNA, which may lead to cancer.
Bacteria that are in the colon and rectum convert alcohol to excess amounts of acetaldehyde, which can lead to cancer in lab animals.
Alcohol and other harmful chemicals.
The body's ability to break down and remove harmful chemicals may be interrupted.
Alcohol helps the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke enter the lining of the upper intestine more easily.
Impacts folate absorption.
Alcohol impacts nutrient absorption.
Folate is necessary for the body's cells to stay healthy.
Low folate levels may increase the risk of developing certain cancers.
Increased body weight.
Excess alcohol and binge drinking can add extra calories into the diet, which can lead to weight gain.
Cells damaged by alcohol may try to repair themselves which can lead to mutations in DNA, which may lead to cancer.
Bacteria that are in the colon and rectum convert alcohol to excess amounts of acetaldehyde, which can lead to cancer in lab animals.
Alcohol and other harmful chemicals.
The body's ability to break down and remove harmful chemicals may be interrupted.
Alcohol helps the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke enter the lining of the upper intestine more easily.
Impacts folate absorption.
Alcohol impacts nutrient absorption.
Folate is necessary for the body's cells to stay healthy.
Low folate levels may increase the risk of developing certain cancers.
Increased body weight.
Excess alcohol and binge drinking can add extra calories into the diet, which can lead to weight gain.
