Even a Single Drink May Boost Cancer Risks, Study Finds

Posted by Rheta Mankin on November 30th, 2015

Men and women hoping to find simple ways to lower their risk for the development of certain types of cancer might want to put alcohol in their past. A recent study has added to a growing body of evidence that even light to moderate drinking may cause a rise in risks.

The new study involved the analysis of more than 150,000 healthcare professionals in the United States. The findings showed that even light drinking for both men and women may increase cancer risks slightly. For men, an increased risk was found to be tied to tobacco use. For women, there was no such connection. The risk was there whether a woman smoked or not.

While the study only found a slight increase in cancer risk, researchers say the findings are important, especially for women with a family history of cancer. These women may find it imperative to dramatically limit or even eliminate alcohol consumption. The link between light drinking and cancer is especially strong in regard to breast cancer.

Women – and men – who are at risk for cancer may find these steps helpful in lowering those risks, doctors suggest:

• Reducing alcohol intake – Limiting alcohol consumption to less than a drink a day may have an impact in lowering risks. Some may find that cutting it out entirely is the best course of action.

• Quitting smoking – For men, alcohol and tobacco combined increase risk. Tobacco alone, however, is strongly linked to a variety of cancers. Anyone who is serious about reducing cancer risks will find walking away from tobacco is a good place to start.

There are a wide variety of risk factors for different types of cancer. While people cannot control all their risks, alcohol consumption is a link they may be able to severe. To find out more about preventing cancer and personal cancer risks, consult with your personal healthcare provider.

About Author

At Las Colinas Cancer Center, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, our team is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate treatment that can make all the difference in cancer care.