DR. TEJINDER KATARIA, CHAIRPERSON, RADIATION ONCOLOGY, CANCER CARE, MEDANTA-THE MEDICITY, GURUGRAM
The consumption of alcohol has long been linked to a wide range of health issues. Among the most well-known are liver-related conditions such as cirrhosis, as well as the significant impact that excessive drinking can have on cardiovascular health.
However, one ramification of the consumption of alcohol that is often overlooked is an increased risk of cancer.
There has been a long-held supposition that moderate drinking has health benefits. However, a number of research studies over the years have debunked this claim. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) and leading oncologists from across the globe have said that alcohol is a carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer.
This is a matter that is particularly of concern for the North Eastern states, which have the highest prevalence of consumption of alcohol in India, with 22.3% of men and women of the region drinking alcohol versus the national average of 12%, according to the National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Monitoring Survey was carried out by the National Center for Disease Informatics and Research under the Indian Council of Medical Research.
But what is alcohol? In essence, when we talk about consuming alcohol, we are referring to ethanol (previously known as ethyl alcohol) which is a compound found in beer, wine and spirits. It is a drug that acts as a depressant, and is both toxic and addictive, and is classified as a group 1 carcinogen — the highest risk group (which also includes asbestos, radiation and tobacco) — by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
The classification by the IARC indicates that alcohol consumption is a proven cause of cancer, specifically those of the stomach, mouth, throat (pharynx and larynx), oesophagus, liver, colorectum, and breast.
How alcohol affects the body
When our body breaks down the ethanol in alcoholic drinks, it produces a compound called acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen that damages DNA and stops our cells from repairing the damage.
Alcohol can also trigger cancer in other ways. For instance, alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to absorb and utilise essential nutrients such as folate and vitamins A, C, D, and E. These nutrients play a critical role in protecting cells from damage, supporting the immune system, and maintaining DNA integrity — functions that are vital for cancer prevention. When alcohol disrupts the absorption of these protective nutrients, the body becomes more vulnerable to cellular damage and the development of cancerous changes.
In addition, alcohol consumption can contribute to weight gain and obesity, which are established risk factors for several types of cancer. Excess body fat can also lead to increased levels of oestrogen, which is strongly associated with a higher risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer. Furthermore, alcohol itself can increase oestrogen production, compounding the risk.
The more the alcohol is consumed, the more the risk of developing cancer increases.
Numerous myths continue to downplay the health risks associated with alcohol consumption, one of the most widespread being the belief that certain types of alcohol — particularly red wine — are safe or even beneficial because of their antioxidant content. This belief has led many to think that light drinking might protect against certain diseases.
However, the source of the alcohol makes no difference — it’s not the type of alcoholic drink, but the ethanol itself that poses the risk.
At present, there are no studies that demonstrate potential beneficial effects of “light” or “moderate” consumption of alcohol. In fact, according to WHO, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption for cancer. It stated that over 10% of all cancer cases linked to alcohol in Europe in the year 2018 were due to drinking as little as 500 ml of beer or 200 ml of wine or 60 ml of spirits per day.
Despite this, awareness about the carcinogenic properties of alcohol remains virtually non-existent. There is a pressing need for comprehensive educational programmes highlighting the risks of alcohol consumption and its link to cancer.
The scientific consensus is unequivocal—alcohol consumption is far more than a simple lifestyle choice; it is a significant health hazard that deserves serious attention. Recognising alcohol as a carcinogen and understanding its full impact on the body is crucial for making informed health decisions.
