What types of cancer can alcohol cause? - A doctor explains

Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages significantly increases the probability of developing oncological diseases of various organs. As Ruslan Isaev, psychiatrist and narcologist, told "Gazeta.Ru", alcohol is associated with an increased risk of developing breast, liver, esophageal, laryngeal, throat, oral cavity, and intestinal cancer.

The specialist emphasizes that alcohol has a complex effect on the body, affecting many organs and systems, not just the central nervous system.

"This list is not accidental - it reflects both accumulated epidemiological data and biological mechanisms of ethanol and its metabolites. The fact is that during the metabolism of alcohol in the body, acetaldehyde is formed - a highly toxic substance with proven carcinogenic effects. Acetaldehyde can damage cell DNA, disrupt their recovery processes, and stimulate proliferation, that is, uncontrolled cell division. Particularly vulnerable are tissues that directly contact alcohol - mucous membranes of the digestive tract (mouth, pharynx, esophagus), as well as tissues actively involved in ethanol metabolism, such as the liver," explained the doctor.

According to Isaev, in the case of breast cancer, hormonal changes play a decisive role. Alcohol contributes to increased estrogen levels in the blood, which is a significant risk factor for developing hormone-dependent breast cancer. This effect is especially noticeable in women who regularly consume alcohol, even in small amounts.

"The level of risk depends on the dose and regularity of consumption. There is no safe level of alcohol in terms of oncological risk - even small amounts can contribute to carcinogenesis. However, statistics show the following: regular consumption of 10 g of pure alcohol per day (approximately one glass of wine or 250 ml of beer) increases the risk of developing breast cancer in women by about 7-10%. When consuming 50 g or more per day, the risk increases by 40-50% compared to non-users. For cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, and esophagus, the risk can increase five to ten times, especially when alcohol is combined with smoking - these factors mutually enhance each other's carcinogenic effects," noted Isaev.

The expert also draws attention to the fact that early onset of alcohol consumption significantly increases the likelihood of long-term complications, including oncological diseases.