Olubukola Ayodele: How does alcohol contribute to cancer risk?

Olubukola Ayodele, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, posted on LinkedIn:

“I’ve noticed a lot of conversations surrounding the recent proposal by the US Surgeon General to implement cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages.

There is increasing evidence that alcohol consumption raises the risk of several types of cancer, particularly breast, gastrointestinal (including esophagus, colon, rectal, and liver), and head and neck cancers (oral cavity, pharynx, larynx).

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer globally, making it crucial to highlight potential risk factors, especially those that are preventable. Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer, following tobacco and obesity, and the risk of developing breast cancer from alcohol is greater than that of smoking. For instance, women who consume two alcoholic drinks per week experience a 15% increase in breast cancer risk, and that risk can rise to as high as 30-50% with one to two drinks per day (McDonald, 2013).

How does alcohol contribute to cancer risk?

1. Alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage DNA in various ways, thereby increasing the risk of cancer.
2. Alcohol induces oxidative stress, which damages DNA, proteins, and cells, leading to increased inflammation and cancer risk.
3. Alcohol affects the levels of various hormones, including oestrogen, which can elevate breast cancer risk.
4. Alcohol enhances the absorption of carcinogens in the gastrointestinal tract.

It is essential to note that there is no ‘safe’ level of alcohol consumption concerning cancer risk. Even with less than one drink per week, there is still an absolute risk of 11.3% of developing breast cancer by age 80.

I previously wrote about the phenomenon of ‘pink washing’ in October when I saw a pink ribbon alongside a wine bottle at a restaurant, stating that purchasing this wine would support a breast cancer charity. Such instances highlight the public’s lack of awareness regarding the risks linking alcohol and cancer.

Tobacco products come with health warnings on their packaging, so why shouldn’t alcohol do the same?

Health warning labels on alcoholic beverages could serve as a systemic tool for change. They would raise awareness, support broader alcohol policies, and reduce the marketing appeal of alcohol packaging. It is crucial for the public to understand the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption that could impact their future health. As you consider whether to drink or how much to drink, keep in mind that less is better when it comes to cancer risk.”

Read Further.

Dr. Olubukola Ayodele is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, specializing in breast and genitourinary malignancies, including germ cell tumors. She is also an honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Leicester and heads the Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Unit at the Leicester Cancer Research Centre. Dr. Ayodele’s work includes numerous publications, clinical trials, and collaborative research projects on molecular drivers and biomarkers in breast cancer. She is a member of ASCO, ESMO, ACP and UKBCG.