New Delhi: Alcohol-related cancer cases are on the rise in India and this comes shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) recently called for warning labels on alcoholic drinks. The health body also described alcohol as a psychoactive, toxic, and dependence-producing substance. Decades ago, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, the highest risk group that also includes radiation and tobacco. Experts say that alcohol intake contributes to a heightened risk of 20 types of cancer. Some of the most common forms of cancer associated with alcohol are:
- Foodpipe
- Throat
- Mouth
- Colon
- Pancreas
- Rectum
- Stomach
- Breast
- Prostate
How does alcohol contribute to cancer risk?
Alcohol metabolises to become a toxic compound that can damage proteins and DNA. This leads to gene mutations that cause cancer. The component known as acetaldehyde can hamper the body’s ability to absorb vitamins A, D, C and E, minerals that are a must for cancer prevention. Alcohol is a carcinogen that contributes to deadly health problems – approximately 4% of cancers in the world are attributed to it. Another study in the Lancet journal estimates that alcohol intake caused 62100 cancer cases in India in 2020.
Researchers also note that alcohol intake can weaken immunity, reducing their ability to identify and destroy cancer cells. Some of the common symptoms that are likely to appear are:
- Unexplained bleeding
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore throat
- Persistent mouth sores
- Chest discomfort
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal swelling
- Jaundice
- Lump in the breast, underarm
In advanced stages, cancer cells can overwhelm immunity and damage the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and brain. Therefore, it is advised to conduct regular screenings, especially for high-risk patients.
Alcohol is associated with fatty liver disease. However, it is also a carcinogen that can cause cancer. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
