Health News

Daily Alcohol Consumption Linked To Cancer, Study Finds

Scientists at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital have recently noted on a review of a study that more than 135,000 adults that those who drank more alcoholic beverages held a higher risk for alcohol-related cancers. The more profound realization, however, is that even modest, light drinking can increase somebody’s risk for cancer.

Women are particularly at risk when engaged in regular, light drinking. Female adults who drank up to one drink a day showed a 13 percent higher risk of developing cancer, especially breast cancer.

Non-smoking men showed no higher risk for cancer, but studies of smoking and formerly smoking men showed a higher risk of certain cancers if they consumed up to two drinks each day. According to TIME, the study’s lead author Yin Cao says, “Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption should be absolutely avoided to prevent cancer.”

Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption should be absolutely avoided to prevent cancer.

The study published in the British Medical Journal tracked the behaviors and their outcomes of individuals over the course of three decades. Besides breast cancer, women who drank lightly on a daily basis also experienced higher rates of cancers relating to the liver, bowel, mouth, throat, esophagus and larynx.

Today also noted that the study may have some weaknesses, such as under-reported amounts of drinking by participants, which could affect the overall results of the research. This research does not stand alone in the category of modest alcohol consumption, however. Another study also linked the effects of tasting alcohol at a young age to early drinking habits.

The findings should also be balanced with the research that shows that a drink each day can lead to superior health of one’s heart. Cardiovascular health is of great concern to many people and should be taken into consideration when reviewing the contents of this study. Cao does suggest that those who drink should limit their alcohol consumption to below the recommended limit.

Click to comment
To Top

Hi - Get Important Content Like This Delivered Directly To You

Get important content and more delivered to you once or twice a week.

We don't want an impostor using your email address so please look for an email from us and click the link to confirm your email address.