Alcohol Consumption Increases Risk for Cancer

The following information was taken from the article 9 Cancers That are Increased by Drinking Alcohol written by Dustin Rudolph PharmD, or better known as The Plant-Based Pharmacist and author of The Empty Medicine Cabinet.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in America, taking the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients each year. Despite over 40 years of scientific research dedicated to win the war on cancer, mortality rates continue to climb.

Rudolph points out that most people know the detrimental effects chronic alcohol consumption has on overall health, yet they fail to realize that even light and/or moderate drinking can "lead to severe health consequences" as well. He mentions a quote from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) regarding alcohol consumption and cancer risk which states: "For cancer prevention, AICR recommends not to drink alcohol ... The evidence that all types of alcoholic drinks increase the risk of a number of cancers is now stronger than it was in the mid-1990s."

Cancers Associated With Alcohol Consumption

The nine types of cancers which alcohol may be in part responsible for are:

1. Liver Cancer
2. Oral/Esophageal Cancers (mouth, throat, larynx, pharynx, esophagus)
3. Stomach Cancer
4. Breast Cancer
5. Colorectal Cancer
6. Prostate Cancer
7. Pancreatic Cancer
8. Skin Cancer (non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma cancers)
9. Brain Cancer

Detailed information on each type of cancer can be seen by reading Dr. Rudolph's article. Rudolph's take-home message emphasizes: "Alcohol is not a health food. It is a drug. Like many other drugs on the market, it has side effects. The main side effect is cancer. While some may argue that moderate drinking is favorable for promoting heart health, this approach still comes with the potential side effect of cancer. Cardiovascular disease can be prevented without alcohol consumption, but cancer is never prevented with it. For a much safer way of preventing heart disease (without alcohol consumption) please see my article, The Secret to Becoming Heart Attack Proof." More information regarding Rudolph's book can be seen by clicking here. 

For more information regarding cancer, click on the following links:

(1) Cancer blogs

(2) Cancer Pinterest Board

(3) Cruciferous Vegetables Protect Against Cancer

(4) Reduce Cancer Risk by Avoiding Dairy

(5) Dairy Products Promote Prostate Cancer

(6) Cancer is a Preventable Disease that Requires Major Lifestyle Changes