Many people know that excessive drinking can lead to problems, such as liver damage, but few are aware that alcohol is linked to an increased risk of cancer, too.
Alcohol can cause several types of cancer, including those of the mouth, throat, liver, breast, colon and stomach. The more alcohol someone drinks, the higher their risk of developing cancer.
It isn’t only binge drinking — consuming massively in one sitting — that can cause issues. Even drinking small amounts regularly can increase your risk of cancer.
Alcohol can lead to cancer in several ways, including by damaging body tissues, changing how the body reacts to harmful chemicals, reducing the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and changing hormone levels.
In Iowa both cancer rates and alcohol-consumption rates are a concern. Iowa has the second-highest and fastest-growing cancer rate in the country. Iowa also has the fourth-highest binge-drinking rate in the country.
The American Cancer Society advises that it is best to drink no alcohol at all. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women in order to minimize health risks.
The less you drink, the better for your health. To cut back on alcohol, try alcohol-free alternatives, such as mocktails or non-alcoholic beer or wine, choose smaller glasses and alternate with water or other non-alcoholic drinks.
If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, visit the YourLifeIowa.org website for more information and resources. You can also call 855-581-8111 or text 855-895-8398 to speak to a trained counselor for free.
Alcohol consumption is just one of many risk factors for cancer. To learn more about cancer risk and prevention, visit the American Cancer Society website.
Natalie Peters is the community health educator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
