From the Guidelines
It is best not to drink alcohol due to its established link to various cancers and other health risks. The American Cancer Society guideline for diet and physical activity for cancer prevention, as stated in the 2020 study 1, emphasizes that alcohol consumption is a major modifiable cancer risk factor. While some studies may suggest potential benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, such as a reduced risk of heart disease, these benefits are outweighed by the risks for most people.
Key Points to Consider
- Alcohol consumption is an established cause of at least 7 types of cancer, including cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, liver, colorectal, and female breast cancers 1.
- The risks of alcohol consumption, including liver disease, certain cancers, addiction, impaired judgment, and accidents, generally outweigh any potential benefits.
- For those who do choose to drink, limiting consumption to no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men is recommended 1.
Health Risks Associated with Alcohol Consumption
- The carcinogenic effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde involve DNA and protein damage, oxidative stress, and increased cell proliferation 1.
- Alcohol consumption also interacts synergistically with tobacco use to increase the risk of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract considerably more than the risk associated with either drinking alcohol or tobacco use alone 1.
Recommendations for Alcohol Consumption
- Abstaining from alcohol is the healthier choice for most people, especially those with health conditions, family history of alcohol problems, or who take medications.
- If you do drink, limiting consumption to moderate levels is essential to minimize health risks 1.
From the Research
Benefits of Alcohol Consumption
- Moderate alcohol consumption (up to 14 g per day for women and up to 28 g per day for men) may be associated with reduced mortality risk, mainly due to reduced risks for cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes 2.
- Established effects of moderate drinking include increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and antithrombotic activity, providing plausible mechanisms for the observed association of moderate drinking with lower risk of coronary heart disease 3.
Risks of Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality 4.
- Chronic heavy alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse lead to alcohol-use disorder, which results in physical and mental diseases such as liver disease, pancreatitis, dementia, and various types of cancer 2.
- Excessive alcohol consumption is most widespread among young adults, and practice guidelines recommend screening and physician advice to address this common cause of injury and premature death 5.
Treatment and Screening
- Primary care physicians are in a position to address heavy drinking and alcohol use disorders with patients, and can do so quickly and effectively 4.
- Screening can be performed by asking patients how many heavy drinking days they have per week, and assessing patients' willingness to change their drinking behaviors can guide treatment 4.
- Patients who are not alcohol-dependent may opt to reduce drinking to lower risk levels, while patients with alcohol dependence should receive pharmacotherapy and brief behavioral support, as well as disease management for chronic relapsing dependence 4.