Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 3: While alcohol consumption is widely linked to liver cirrhosis and cancer, medical experts warn that its dangers extend far beyond, increasing the risk of multiple cancers.

According to the U S government’s dietary guidelines, alcohol is classified as a group I carcinogen, with strong scientific evidence linking it to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, breast, pancreas, colon, and rectum. Experts stress that even moderate alcohol consumption poses a significant health threat.

Dr Sriniket Mohan Raghavan, consultant - surgical oncology at Manipal Hospital, New Delhi, explains, “Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that damages DNA and disrupts cell repair, leading to cancer. It also causes oxidative stress, hormonal imbalances, and increases the body’s absorption of carcinogens.”

Highlighting a lesser-known risk, Dr Deepak Sarin, vice chairman, head & neck cancer, Medanta, Gurugram, states, “While alcohol’s link to tobacco-related cancers is well known, its direct role in mouth cancer is often ignored. Even without tobacco, heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk sixfold.”

The National Cancer Institute reports that moderate drinking raises colon and rectal cancer risk by up to 1.5 times, while studies suggest women consuming alcohol face a 30-50% higher risk of breast cancer.

“No amount of alcohol is truly safe when it comes to cancer,” warns Dr Sarin. “For those treated for mouth cancer, continuing to drink doubles the risk of recurrence.”

Leading oncologists urge the public to recognize alcohol as a serious cancer risk and advocate reducing or eliminating consumption as a key step in cancer prevention.