Cancer. Just hearing the word strikes fear into the hearts of so many of us.
It’s one of the most terrifying conditions, and—chances are—you know someone who has faced it. Every year, millions of people are diagnosed, and sadly, it’s the second leading cause of death in the U.S.
What makes it even scarier? The fact that cancer can sneak up on you, quietly developing before you even realize something is wrong.
Big Pharma has made billions off cancer treatments—chemo, radiation, surgery—but if you ask me, their first priority should be on something else: prevention. Because while there’s a lot about cancer that’s out of our control, it turns out there are things we can do to lower our risk.
One of the biggest? Alcohol.
How Alcohol Plays a Major Role in Cancer Risk
The latest report from the American Association for Cancer Research shines a light on something most people don’t think about—40 percent of all cancer diagnoses in the U.S. are tied to modifiable risk factors.
That’s right. Forty percent! And these risk factors include things like smoking, being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and yes, drinking alcohol.
While we often hear about how smoking causes cancer (and it certainly does), the impact of alcohol is often overlooked. But the numbers don’t lie. Alcohol use was tied to 5.4 percent of all cancer cases diagnosed in 2019 alone. That’s tens of thousands of people who developed cancer with a link to drinking.
And here’s the thing… it’s not just one type of cancer. Alcohol has been linked to breast cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, mouth, and throat cancers, and even more.
For years, we’ve been warned about the dangers of drinking too much, but new research confirms that alcohol’s impact on cancer development is significant—and we need to be paying more attention.
Is There a Safe Amount of Alcohol?
So, how much alcohol is too much? This is where things get tricky. While we know that excessive drinking is particularly dangerous, it’s not as clear what “moderate” drinking might mean for your cancer risk.
Some experts point out that certain diets, like the Mediterranean diet, even include red wine and have been shown to promote heart health. But be careful—what’s good for your heart doesn’t always translate to being good for your cancer risk.
In fact, alcohol’s effect on your cancer risk depends on several factors, including your metabolism and biological sex. Research has shown that women are especially vulnerable, as their bodies process alcohol differently from men’s. For women, even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer, among other types.
For those who want to reduce their risk, most experts agree that cutting back on alcohol is a smart move. Even limiting yourself to half a glass of wine at night could help lower your chances of developing cancer.
Modifiable Risk Factors You Can Control
We can’t control everything in life, but the best way to fight cancer is by focusing on the things we can change. Here are several lifestyle changes that could significantly lower your risk of developing cancer:
- Limit alcohol consumption. Whether it’s cutting back on drinks each week or eliminating alcohol altogether, this is one change that could have a big impact on your health.
- Quit smoking. Smoking remains one of the most dangerous cancer-causing habits.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight is linked to several cancers, including breast, colorectal, and kidney cancer.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while cutting back on processed foods can help lower your cancer risk and improve your overall health.
- Get moving. Regular physical activity is another great way to reduce your cancer risk. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
- Protect your skin. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Wearing sunscreen, staying in the shade, and avoiding tanning beds can help you lower your risk.
Cancer is scary. We all know that. But it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. By taking steps to lower your risk, you’re giving yourself the best chance at a healthier future.
So, the next time you pour yourself a drink, think about the bigger picture. Cutting back on alcohol might just help save your life.
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Sources:
Pelc, C. (2024, September 24). Alcohol plays key role in cancer risk, new expert report warns. Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alcohol-plays-key-role-in-cancer-risk-new-expert-report-warns#Excessive-alcohol-use-top-modifiable-risk-factor-for-cancer