The Connection Between Alcohol & Cancer

Many people are aware of the dangers of excessive alcohol abuse.

Not only can it cause fatal accidents in the short-term, but also long-term abuse can lead to a variety of serious health problems when people neglect to get alcohol abuse treatment. Damage to the liver is well-known, but fewer people understand the connection between alcohol and certain types of cancer.

Does Alcohol Cause Cancer?

Cancer can be caused by several different factors but drinking alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of getting certain cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, alcohol use is one of the most important risk factors for cancer that is preventable. It is believed to account for around 6% of all cancers and 4% of cancer deaths in the United States.¹ This includes drinking alcohol of any kind.

Research has linked alcohol use to cancer of the:

Mouth and throat
Larynx
Esophagus
Stomach
Colon and rectum
Liver
Ovaries
Breasts²

There is also evidence that suggests alcohol use could be linked to even more types of cancer, but not enough evidence has been found to make a substantial claim for these cancers.² Generally, the more you drink, the greater your risk of these cancers. Also, other behaviors such as smoking cigarettes alongside regular drinking can exponentially increase the chances of getting these cancers. To reduce your risk of these cancers, you should stop drinking. Especially if you have a long-standing history of alcohol abuse, alcohol detox services could save you from a horrible fate later on.

Why are Alcohol and Cancer Linked?

Although alcohol is a legal substance for people over the age of 21 in the United States, it is still toxic to your body, especially in large quantities or after extended use. Ethanol, the chemical in alcoholic beverages, is believed to be what causes this increased risk of cancer from heavy drinking.²

Not only can drinking alcohol cause cancer, but it could lead to serious damage outside of just your physical health. Alcoholics may also suffer from mental health struggles, relationship issues, financial problems, and legal issues. Our Martin County detox center helps patients not only stop drinking but address the secondary problems connecting to their alcohol abuse. This type of comprehensive approach to treatment gives patients a better chance of finding long-term sobriety.

Whether you are struggling with your drinking or know someone who is an alcoholic, there is hope for recovery. At Banyan Detox Stuart, we want to help. Call 888-280-4763 to get started.

Sources:

American Cancer Society- Alcohol Use and Cancer
NIH- Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Cancer

Alyssa

Alyssa who is the National Director of Digital Marketing, joined the Banyan team in 2016, bringing her five-plus years of experience. She has produced a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. Through strategic marketing campaign concepts, Alyssa has established Banyan as an industry leader and a national household name.