Is There Any Safe Amount of Alcohol?

03 October 2024

Posted in

Cancer

Research shows even a glass of wine, and what might be considered moderate consumption of alcohol, could put you at an elevated risk of developing cancer. It’s a widely held belief that drinking a glass of wine a day is beneficial to health, but experts say alcohol is a known carcinogen and that any amount of alcohol can increase your risk of negative health effects. In this blog, we talk with Bilal Ahmad, M.D., a board-certified hematologist and oncologist with the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute at INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center, to learn more.

What’s really in that glass of wine?

Research shows that you can lower your risk for cancer by drinking less alcohol or not drinking at all. In fact, all alcoholic drinks, including red and white wine, beer and liquor, are linked with cancer.

Drinking alcohol raises your risk of getting several kinds of cancer:

Mouth and throat
Voice box (larynx)
Esophagus, stomach and pancreas
Colon and rectum
Liver
Breast

Alcohol contributes to cancer risk through several mechanisms:

Acetaldehyde formation: When alcohol is metabolized in the body, it is first converted into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound and probable carcinogen. Acetaldehyde can damage DNA and proteins, leading to mutations that can initiate cancer development.
Oxidative stress: Alcohol metabolism generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative stress and damage cellular components, including DNA, proteins and lipids. This damage can promote cancerous changes in cells.
Hormonal changes: Alcohol can alter hormone levels in the body. For example, it can increase levels of estrogen, which is associated with a higher risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast cancer.
Immune system suppression: Chronic alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells.
Nutritional deficiencies: Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients and vitamins that play protective roles against cancer. For example, deficiencies in folate, a B vitamin, are linked to increased cancer risk.
Cellular damage and repair: Alcohol can directly damage the tissues lining the mouth, throat, esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract. This damage can lead to inflammation and increase the likelihood of cancerous changes.
Increased exposure to carcinogens: For those who smoke, alcohol can enhance the carcinogenic effects of tobacco. It acts as a solvent, helping carcinogens in tobacco to penetrate deeper into the tissues of the mouth and throat.
Altered DNA repair mechanisms: Alcohol may interfere with the body's ability to repair damaged DNA, increasing the likelihood that cells with genetic mutations will survive and potentially become cancerous.

Understanding the effects of alcohol on the body is crucial for making informed decisions about its consumption. While moderate drinking may be part of social rituals, being aware of the potential risks can help individuals make healthier choices.

“Overall, the risk of cancer increases with the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption,” Ahmad adds.

The cancer connection of consuming alcohol

Alcohol is now considered the third most preventable cause of cancer, after tobacco use and excess body weight or obesity. More research shows a clear link between the two:

One study from the American Cancer Society found that alcohol consumption is the leading factor behind 24,000 cancer deaths and 95,000 cases of cancer per year.
Another study from the CDC indicated that 17 percent of alcohol-related cancer deaths were the result of a low level of drinking.

Meaning that even drinking less than the national dietary guidelines’ recommended cap of two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women, could result in an increased risk of developing cancer in your lifetime.

That’s concerning, particularly given that many people drink more than that, on average, when they do consume alcohol. Imagine six American adults. According to federal data, over the course of a month, half of them didn’t drink alcohol, one drank in moderation and the other two drank more than the recommended cap. It’s also important to consider that the average alcohol content of beer, wine and spirits has inflated over time. Those one or two drinks now pack more of a punch (and heighten the risk of cancer as well).

“The evidence is clear that even moderate drinking can increase your risk of developing various cancers,” Ahmad says. “It’s important to understand that there is no completely safe level of alcohol intake. Reducing or eliminating alcohol from your diet can greatly enhance your overall health.”

Why does drinking alcohol raise cancer risk?

When you drink alcohol, your body breaks it down into a chemical that damages your DNA. DNA is the cell’s “instruction manual” that controls how a cell grows and does its job. When DNA is damaged, a cell can grow out of control and become cancer.

Isn’t red wine considered healthy in moderation?

It’s a myth that red wine prevents cancer, but not an uncommon one. One study found 10 percent of surveyed participants believe that red wine decreased their cancer risk.

Any health benefits commonly attributed to red wine are a result of polyphenols, which can be found in abundance in foods that carry no increased risk of cancer. For example, fruit (such as berries, apples and grapes), vegetables (spinach and onions), nuts, seeds, tea and coffee are rich in polyphenols that can positively impact your health, including:

Antioxidant properties: Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage and various chronic diseases. By combating oxidative stress, polyphenols help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Polyphenols have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to several health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. By reducing inflammation, polyphenols can help lower the risk of these diseases and promote overall health.
Heart health: Consuming polyphenol-rich foods has been associated with improved cardiovascular health. Polyphenols can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and enhance blood vessel function. These benefits collectively contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
Gut health: Polyphenols also play a role in promoting a healthy gut microbiome. They act as prebiotics, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption and overall immune function.
Cognitive health: Polyphenols have been linked to improved brain health and cognitive function. They may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.
Cancer prevention: Some studies suggest that polyphenols may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with their ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, make polyphenols a valuable component of cancer prevention strategies.

It’s safe to say, alcohol won’t improve your health and very well could put you at an increased risk for a number of different cancers and health complications. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your drinking or check out the resources and programs available at the INTEGRIS Health Arcadia Trails Center for Addiction Recovery.