The CDC says it best, “The less alcohol you drink, the lower your risk for cancer.”1 Alcohol consumption has been linked to higher rates of cancer as the metabolization of alcohol creates a chemical in the body called acetaldehyde, which is a suspected carcinogen.2 There’s a strong connection between alcoholism and cancer, but sobriety may help people reduce their dangers.
Understanding Alcohol and Cancer Risks
Alcohol and cancer are strongly linked, with alcohol consumption increasing a person’s risk of developing six different kinds of cancer, including colon, liver, breast, mouth, and throat cancer.1 Don’t let false reports convince you that drinks like wine are safe; the link between alcohol and cancer risks exists for any type of alcohol. Any alcoholic drink consumption can increase a person’s risk of cancer, and the more you drink, the higher the risk.
Alcoholism is linked to many health problems, including cancer. Our team offers alcoholism and drug abuse help in Massachusetts, contact us today to get started on getting sober.
Does Discontinued Alcohol Consumption Reduce Cancer Risk?
The links between alcoholism and cancer are frightening, but there is hope. Does discontinued drinking reduce cancer risk? Yes, getting sober and suspended drinking does help to reduce cancer risk. Many patients who complete our alcohol abuse programs near Boston look forward to reducing their cancer risks. One study shows that after 15-20 years of sobriety from alcoholism, a person’s risk of throat, head, and neck cancer decreases.3
Sobriety will also prevent you from worsening your cancer risk through continued alcoholism. The more a person drinks and the longer they drink, the greater their link between alcoholism and cancer. Finding sobriety is one of the most effective ways to reduce alcohol and cancer risks.
There are many illnesses related to alcoholism, and sobriety is the safest option for reducing the risk of these conditions. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, binge drinking, or other variations of alcohol use disorder, let our team help with the recovery process. Call 888-280-4763 to learn how our team can help.Sources:
- CDC - Alcohol and Cancer
- NIH - Alcohol and Cancer Risk
- OconoLink - Quitting Alcohol Use Can Reduce Cancer Risk
