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Heavy alcohol consumption increases cancer risk

A study that is tracking the diets and disease rates of 521,483 individuals in 10 European countries has shown that individuals who consume more than two alcoholic drinks per day have a 26% higher lifetime risk of colon cancer than nondrinkers, according to an August 1, 2007, news release from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). Current guidelines on alcohol consumption from the AICR include the recommendation that if alcohol is consumed at all, men should consume no more than two drinks per day and women should consume no more than one drink per day.

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Alcohol is a pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant substance. When it is metabolized, alcohol becomes acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen, which can initiate the cancer process in sensitive tissue repeatedly exposed to it. Alcohol consumption has been linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, colon, and rectum. Smokers who drink alcohol also have a significantly increased risk of Lung cancer.

In addition, alcohol use appears to be linked to breast cancer, even though breast cells do not come in direct contact with alcohol. According to researchers, women who consume even one drink a day have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer compared to nondrinkers.

World's largest diet-cancer study confirms current advice on alcohol [news release]. Washington, DC: American Institute for Cancer Research; August 1, 2007.

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Heavy alcohol consumption increases cancer risk

AORN Journal, Nov, 2007

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