[B015] 20 years of drinking and I never knew Alcohol was a group 1 carcinogen?!?

BOOSTGB
Dec 8, 2024
4 min read

Introduction

Did you know that alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same category as tobacco and asbestos? It’s a surprising fact for many, but alcohol is directly linked to several types of cancer. What’s more, cancers like oesophageal cancer are more strongly tied to alcohol than even liver cancer, a finding that challenges common assumptions. This summary breaks down the science, risks, and practical steps you can take to protect your health.

What the Research Shows

Globally, 4% of all cancers are caused by alcohol. This equated to over 740,000 cancer cases in 2020.
These are the top 4 Cancers (by global number and proportion of cancer cases) that are attributable to alcohol consumption:
- Oesophageal cancer: 26%
- Liver cancer: 21%
- Breast cancer: 13% This is surprisingly concerning because breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide.
- Colon cancer: 12%

There’s a low level of public awareness about the causal link between alcohol and cancer. People are far more aware that smoking causes cancer than they are that drinking alcohol causes cancer too!
Drinking alcohol alongside tobacco significantly increases cancer risk due to their synergistic effects—meaning they amplify each other's harm.
Mechanisms of cancer development from alcohol:
- Alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that damages DNA and prevents cells from repairing themselves.
- Drinking alcohol creates oxidative stress, leading to harmful molecules called free radicals that damage cells.
- Alcohol weakens the body’s ability to process important nutrients like folate, essential for healthy DNA.
- Heavy drinking disrupts hormone levels, such as increasing oestrogen, which can promote certain cancers like breast cancer.
- Alcohol suppresses the immune system, weakening the body's natural defence against cancer cells. It reduces the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for destroying abnormal cells, and increases inflammation, creating a favourable environment for cancer growth.
- Chronic alcohol use triggers inflammation, which can lead to long-term tissue damage and cancer growth.

Facts About the Study

Publication date: September 2021 in the journal Nutrients.
Authors: Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Key focus: Alcohol consumption’s link to cancer risk and the biological pathways by which it promotes cancer.

Study Limitations

Studies sometimes fail to separate the effects of alcohol and smoking, which are often used together.
Alcohol consumption is often underreported, making it hard to measure accurately.
Genetic differences, like those in East Asian populations, can affect how people process alcohol, meaning some findings may not apply universally.
The exact biological processes for some cancers, like stomach cancer, are still not fully understood.

Research to Action

Here are a few small changes you could make today which could lead to a healthier way of being and a reduced risk of cancer:

Cut back or avoid alcohol.
- Even light drinking (1-2 drinks a day) increases the risk of cancers like breast and colorectal cancer. If you drink, aim for the lowest possible amount.
- For social occasions, try swapping alcoholic drinks for mocktails, sparkling water, or non-alcoholic alternatives.
Don’t mix alcohol with smoking.
- Alcohol and tobacco combined increase cancer risk more than either substance alone. If you smoke, avoid alcohol during social gatherings to reduce harm.
Increase your intake of folate-rich foods.
- Alcohol interferes with folate, a key nutrient for DNA repair. Eating leafy greens, beans, oranges, and fortified cereals can help protect your body.
Support your immune system.
- Alcohol weakens your immune defences against cancer. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and staying active to boost your body’s natural cancer-fighting mechanisms.
Stay informed and share what you learn.
- Many people don’t know alcohol is a carcinogen. By sharing this information with friends, family, or on social media, you can raise awareness.
Advocate for alcohol moderation policies.
- Encourage workplaces or community groups to promote alcohol-free events and educational campaigns. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.
Set small, achievable goals for reducing intake.
- Start with an alcohol-free day each week. Gradually increase this to three or four days as you build new habits.
Monitor your health.
- Women should discuss breast cancer screening with their doctors, especially if they consume alcohol regularly. Regular check-ups can lead to early detection and better outcomes.

Boost Summary

Alcohol is more than a social drink—it’s a Group 1 carcinogen with the power to damage DNA, weaken the immune system, disrupt hormones, and promote cancer growth. But you have the power to reduce your risk. Whether it’s limiting your intake, boosting folate in your diet, or raising awareness about alcohol’s hidden risks, every small step adds up. This week, swap one drink for a healthier alternative and start a conversation about this vital issue. Together, let’s take action to lower the cancer burden and boost our collective health!

Referencing

Harriet Rumgay, Neil Murphy, Pietro Ferrari, and Isabelle Soerjomataram, "Alcohol and Cancer: Epidemiology and Biological Mechanisms," Nutrients 13, no. 9 (2021): 3173,

Link to study: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093173