Alcohol is becoming a major factor behind the rising cancer cases in India. Experts warn that drinking too much alcohol greatly increases the risk of cancer, making it a serious concern for public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued a warning about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. Many Indian doctors and researchers also agree that drinking alcohol can lead to cancer.
WHO Says Alcohol is a Proven Cancer-Causing Substance
The WHO considers alcohol a toxic and addictive substance that affects both mental and physical health. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen years ago. This means that alcohol is one of the biggest cancer-causing substances, just like asbestos, radiation, and tobacco.
Dr. Puneet Garg, a vascular interventional radiologist and endovascular surgeon at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, says, “Drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancer and can lead to over 20 different types of cancer.”
Some of the most common cancers linked to alcohol include:
Mouth and throat cancer
Esophagus (food pipe) cancer
Stomach cancer
Colon and rectal cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Breast cancer in women
Prostate cancer in men
How Does Alcohol Lead to Cancer?
Dr. Taraprasad Tripathi, an assistant professor at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, warns that alcohol consumption is becoming a major cause of cancer in India. He explains how alcohol harms the body:
Alcohol turns into a dangerous chemical – When the body processes alcohol, it converts into acetaldehyde, a highly toxic compound that damages DNA and proteins. This damage increases the chances of genetic mutations, leading to cancer development.
Prevents absorption of essential nutrients – Alcohol blocks the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients like folate, vitamin A, C, D, and E, which are needed to keep cells healthy and prevent cancer.
Weakens the immune system – Alcohol weakens immunity, making it harder for the body to fight off cancer cells before they grow and spread.
How Many Cancer Cases Are Caused by Alcohol – Alcohol is a well-known cause of cancer, and its impact on global health is massive. According to the WHO, alcohol is responsible for 4% of all cancer cases worldwide. A recent study published in The Lancet revealed that alcohol consumption was linked to around 62,100 new cancer cases in India in 2020. Even the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has suggested adding cancer warning labels on alcohol bottles, particularly for breast, liver, and colon cancer, to make people aware of the risks.
Early Signs of Alcohol-Linked Cancer – What to Watch For
Cancer symptoms depend on the type, but here are some common early signs of alcohol-related cancers:
Mouth and throat cancer: Persistent mouth ulcers, unexplained bleeding, lumps inside the cheek, difficulty swallowing, or a sore throat that doesn’t heal.
Esophageal (food pipe) cancer: Difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, chronic cough, or hoarseness.
Liver cancer: Abdominal swelling, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and extreme fatigue.
Breast cancer: Lumps in the breast or underarm, changes in breast shape or size, dimpling of the skin, or unusual nipple discharge.
Why Early Detection is Crucial for Cancer Treatment – Doctors stress that early cancer detection can save lives. With advanced treatments available today, cancer caught early has a much higher chance of being treated successfully. However, if cancer is discovered too late, it may spread to other organs (metastasis), making it very hard to treat with surgery or chemotherapy. Dr. Garg warns, “In later stages, cancer cells attack major organs like the brain, liver, heart, kidneys, and lungs. Once the cancer spreads, it weakens the body and becomes much harder to fight.”
Cutting Down on Alcohol Can Reduce Cancer Risk – Dr. Tripathi strongly advises that reducing or quitting alcohol can significantly lower the risk of developing cancer. The WHO states that there is no “safe” amount of alcohol. Even light drinking can increase the risk of cancer. In conclusion, while alcohol may be a part of social and cultural life for many, its long-term impact on health is serious. Cutting back on drinking is one of the most effective steps you can take to lower your risk of cancer and live a healthier life.
