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Alcohol and Cancer

How Limiting Your Alcohol Intake Can Lower Your Cancer Risk

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), limiting the amount of alcohol you consume can decrease your risk for certain kinds of cancer. Specifically, the CDC mentions six kinds of cancer that are increased with alcohol consumption:

  • Mouth and throat cancer
  • Cancer in the voice box (larynx)
  • Cancer of the esophagus
  • Colon and rectal cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Breast cancer in women

The more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk that you can get these types of cancer. The CDC notes that it is chemical that your body breaks alcohol down into that can damage your DNA causing a cell to function abnormally. The chemical called acetaldehyde is known to damage DNA and prevent it from being repaired.

Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can not only increase your risk for cancer, it can have several other adverse effects on your health. From poor decision making to drastically affecting your reaction time, alcohol consumption can be extremely dangerous. The CDC lists several circumstances where you should not drink at all including if you:

  • Are under 21
  • Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
  • Have health problems
  • Are driving or operating heavy machinery

Additionally, you should never consume alcohol if you have a tendency towards violence, as alcohol can increase a person’s propensity for violence. One of the most effective ways to stop drinking is through continuous alcohol monitoring. It is important to seek treatment if you develop an unhealthy relationship with alcohol or another substance.