Can a Light Drink in the Evening Cause Cancer?

By Dr. Gopal Sharma in Medical Oncology , Cancer Care / Oncology

Nov 08 , 2020 | 1 min read

There’s something pleasantly refreshing about a chilled alcoholic beverage after a long day of work. Many people don’t consider light drinking to be harmful to their health. However, a recent study has shown that alcohol consumption, however light, can increase the risk of cancer.

What is the connection between alcohol and cancer?

The same survey revealed that alcohol is directly responsible for up to 6% of cancer deaths worldwide. Dr. Gopal Sharma, Principal Consultant - Medical Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, says, despite this seemingly obvious connection, many people are still unaware that alcohol consumption can lead to cancer. Another study revealed that approximately 7 in 10 people are unaware that there is a link between alcohol and cancer.

What types of cancer can alcohol cause?

Alcohol is responsible for many different types of cancer. The survey cited above shows that heavy drinking drastically increases the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, oesophagus cancer, as well as head and neck cancers.

How can I reduce the risk of alcohol-related cancer?

The survey also presented several interesting recommendations to curb alcohol-related cancers. By imposing tighter restrictions on the days and hours on which alcohol can be sold, alcohol consumption will decrease, and so will the risk of cancer. Other recommendations include limiting alcohol advertising as well as providing alcohol screening tests at medical visits. Check out the best cancer doctor in Delhi.

Limiting your alcohol intake can go a long way in avoiding cancer. Regardless of whether you’re a heavy drinker or merely a social one, it’s important that you cut back on the amount that you drink. Alcohol can lead to several different types of cancer, and also cause a horde of other illnesses and diseases.

Whether you’re a social drinker or a chronic alcoholic, every sip of alcohol that you take is a step towards a cancer-ridden future. Cut alcohol out of your daily routine and live a healthy lifestyle. Though a night of partying with friends may be fun, drinking alcohol is just borrowing happiness from your future. Make a wise choice, and remove alcohol from your life.