Advisory from US surgeon general says alcohol contributes to 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer deaths each year

Summary

Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the US, contributing to 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 deaths annually, according to a new US surgeon general advisory.

Breast cancer accounts for 16.4% of annual alcohol-related cancers, with alcohol increasing the risk of at least seven types, including liver, colorectal, and throat cancers.

Most deaths occur among heavy drinkers, though 17% occur within recommended limits.

Alcohol promotes cancer through DNA damage, inflammation, and hormone changes. Despite clear links, only 45% of Americans recognize alcohol as a cancer risk.

  • @Buffalox
    45•4 days ago

    Despite clear links, only 45% of Americans recognize alcohol as a cancer risk.

    I admit, I was not aware it is such a big factor.
    I do remember my biology teacher in the 70’s saying that drinking heavily in the weekend or drinking moderately during the whole week, if it’s similar amount of alcohol it’s equally bad.
    I wonder if that still goes regarding cancer?

    • @[email protected]
      17•4 days ago

      Yeah, the studies generally point to a cumulative effect. Basically the aldehyde byproduct of alcohol breakdown is also poisonous. It can lead to cancer growths so arguably binge drinking is worse in that respect because it takes longer for everything to clear.

      Interestingly, if there was a way to break that aldehyde down faster, then the cancer risk might go down significantly. It’s just not super clear at this point.

      • @Buffalox
        4•4 days ago

        So if I understand correctly, my biology teacher was wrong?
        To be honest I always thought that, drinking a full bottle of alcohol quickly, will kill you, so IMO clearly a greater stress on the system. While spreading it out on the whole week, you may barely notice.

        • @[email protected]
          15•3 days ago

          There are people that die after drinking a 750ml bottle of spirits.

          Good rule of thumb is if you see someone drinking exponentially more than everyone else, but they dont really seem drunk, they are an enormous alcoholic and their tolerance is built up over years.

          Dont copy those people.

          • @MutilationWave
            6•3 days ago

            Yep. At one point I was up to roughly a liter a day. I know this because I would buy a handle (1.75L), then the next day I would buy a handle, and then on the third day I didn’t need to buy a handle. This was my life for over a year. I was an alcoholic way longer than that but that was my worst.

            I just had blood tests done like six weeks ago and all my organs are in good shape. I have slightly elevated bad kind of cholesterol.

            The body is amazing in what you can throw at it and bounce back.

            • @[email protected]
              2•2 days ago

              Thats good to hear! I had a similar experience as well and it is very impressive not only how much a persons body can heal but how quickly too.

              If you are worried about it I believe nearly all bad cholesterol comes from animal products, so it might be beneficial to reduce those in your diet if possible!

              • @MutilationWave
                1•2 days ago

                Thanks, I appreciate it. My wife made cabbage a few nights ago that would turn anyone vegetarian as long as they don’t know that’s in it.

                • @[email protected]
                  3•2 days ago

                  I had stuffed cabbages with impossible meat and rice for christmas dinner myself. We have been making all my childhood family dishes again but vegan and its gone surprisingly well. Mashed potatatoes with “meat” gravy and corn is still one of my top meals and its healthier now too!

                  • @MutilationWave
                    1•1 day ago

                    Is stuffed cabbages the same as cabbage rolls? Because those are amazing, we make them several times a year. We use half beef half hot Italian sausage, but I’d be down to try a vegan version for sure. And mashed potatoes are my all around favorite food, can you tell us how you make the vegan gravy?

        • @[email protected]
          5•3 days ago

          Tolerance is a real thing and can be developed over time. However it’s not clear if that has any relation to cancer risk, which appears to be related to ability to clear the aldehyde byproduct.

      • @[email protected]
        1•3 days ago

        There is a way! It’s called Zbiotics and it’s a real product despite the vibes. I use it every time I drink and it really does make a difference. I think the too-good-to-be-true vibes of the whole thing really does this great scientific advancement a real disservice. This stuff could be saving lives if scaled up.

      • @I_Has_A_Hat
        0•3 days ago

        Different people process alcohol differently, I wonder if that means the cancer risk is different for them as well.