Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 19: Health experts have raised alarms over the increasing number of alcohol-related cancers in India, reinforcing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent call for prominent health warning labels on alcoholic beverages.

The WHO classifies alcohol as a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-inducing substance, identifying it decades ago as a Group 1 carcinogen—placing it in the highest risk category alongside asbestos, radiation, and tobacco. “Alcohol consumption is directly linked to an increased risk of over 20 types of cancers,” said Dr. Puneet Garg, Vascular Interventional Radiologist and Endovascular Surgeon at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi.

Cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, and pancreas are among the most common forms linked to alcohol consumption. In addition, it has been associated with breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.

Dr. Taraprasad Tripathy, Assistant Professor at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, explained that alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that damages DNA and proteins, triggering mutations that can lead to cancer. “Chronic alcohol use also impairs nutrient absorption, including vital vitamins such as A, C, D, E, and folate, which are crucial for cellular health and cancer prevention,” he noted.

According to WHO estimates, nearly 4% of global cancer cases are attributed to alcohol consumption. A study published in The Lancet found that in 2020 alone, alcohol was responsible for approximately 62,100 new cancer cases in India.

Recently, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy also advocated for cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages, emphasizing that clearer labeling could help consumers make informed choices and raise awareness about alcohol-related health risks.

Experts warn that chronic alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off cancerous cells. Different types of alcohol-related cancers present distinct symptoms:

• Oral and throat cancers: Persistent mouth sores, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, and chronic sore throat.
• Esophageal cancer: Chest discomfort, unintentional weight loss, chronic cough, and hoarseness.
• Liver cancer: Abdominal swelling, jaundice, loss of appetite, and fatigue.
• Breast cancer: Lumps in the breast or underarm, changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, or nipple discharge.

Early detection is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. “With advanced medical treatments available today, timely diagnosis significantly enhances survival rates. However, if cancer spreads (metastasis), it becomes difficult to treat with surgery or chemotherapy,” Dr. Garg warned. In advanced stages, cancer cells can also severely impact vital organs like the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, and lungs.

To mitigate risks, experts strongly advocate for regular screenings, especially for high-risk individuals, and immediate medical attention for unusual symptoms. “Reducing alcohol consumption is one of the most effective ways to lower cancer risk. WHO stresses that no level of alcohol intake is truly safe, as even moderate drinking increases the likelihood of developing cancer,” Dr. Tripathy emphasized.