In an interview with Therese Bevers, MD, medical director of the MD Anderson Cancer Prevention Center, the American Cancer Society (ACS) announced that no alcohol can be consumed to prevent cancer. advised not to.
However, if you do drink, women drink only one drink a day and men drink only two drinks a day, and more than that is not helpful in preventing cancer, and drinking alcohol during or after cancer treatment increases the risk of cancer metastasis and recurrence. Regarding the new guidelines related to , Dr. Webers said.
“Because we know that alcohol consumption by drinking increases the risk of several cancers, including cancers of the mouth, pharynx and larynx, colorectal and esophagus, and liver and breast, this recommendation is to reduce consumption in terms of cancer risk,” said Dr. Vevers. The more the better,” he replied.
There are several reasons why alcohol consumption by drinking increases the incidence of cancer in humans.
Dr. Vevers said, “As the ethanol component of alcohol is broken down into acetaldehyde, it damages cells, increasing the possibility of cancer cell growth, and affects sex hormones such as female estrogen, which instructs normal cells in the body to grow and divide, thereby reducing cell damage. goes wrong and increases your chances of developing cancer.” Alcohol also makes it impossible for the body to break down and absorb several important nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, D, E and folic acid, which help protect the body from cancer. “Empty calories consume extra calories, which can lead to weight gain, which increases the risk of cancer.”
The problem is that although doctors and medical professionals recommend moderate amounts of alcohol, the risk of cancer increases with each drink that is not followed, so there is no safe drinking limit like cigarettes and processed meat.
In addition, it is dangerous for cancer patients to drink alcohol after being treated or treated for cancer.
Dr. Vevers said, “Alcohol consumption worsens the side effects of chemotherapy and drugs during cancer treatment, causing nausea, dehydration, and oral wounds, as well as increasing the risk of additional cancer diagnosis. We need to consult,” he said.
According to related studies, alcohol is a risk factor for certain cancers, such as liver cancer. However, the association between alcohol and cancer recurrence is unknown, especially in those who have completed cancer treatment. However, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol after a cancer diagnosis, as it increases the risk of metastasis and recurrence.
As for the healthiest way to consume alcohol when it comes to cancer, Dr. Vevers said avoiding alcohol consumption when managing cancer occurrence and recurrence, as beer, wine, and all alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, which can increase cancer risk. recommended.
Dr. Vevers explained why, “some studies have shown that red wine contains compounds that provide cardiovascular benefits, so while drinking alcohol is known to be beneficial, the benefits of drinking wine are less than the risk of developing cancer.” did.