Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Daily Alcohol Consumption Linked to Increased Risk of Cancer



In Japan, scientists studied 63,232 patients and their alcohol use. They screened the patients for other health risks before the study. The study found that patients that drinking 6 ounces of wine, 17 ounces of beer, or 2 ounces of whiskey a day for 10 years can increase risk for cancer by 5 percent. After 40 years of these drinking habits, cancer risk is increased by 54 percent. However, the authors of the study point out that Japanese have a genetic variation which causes them to metabolize alcohol slower, so it may have more of an impact on them.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol has this effect on humans because when we drink alcohol, it breaks down into acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is known to damage DNA and prevent the damage from being repaired. When the DNA is damaged, it may cause cells to enter a growth cycle which can lead to tumors.

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/alcohol/index.htm

nytimes.com/2019/12/09/well/live/alcohol-drinking-cancer.html


2 comments:

  1. Wow its really interesting that after only 10 years its a 5% increase, but after 40 its a 54% increase. It makes sense though due to the ongoing DNA damage for such a long time.

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  2. I would love to see a study like this conducted on people living in the United States, of all different backgrounds. This could also be a very important finding for people who become sober after going through alcoholism as it could put them at an increased risk of cancer as well just because of their drinking habits.

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