Alcohol Consumption: What We Know (And What We Don't) About Cancer

Okay, we've got more ground to cover with booze and cancer. We've come a long way in understanding this relationship, and honestly, it's gotten a bit more complicated over the years. Remember when some people said, "a glass of wine is good for your heart"? Yeah, well, our understanding has definitely evolved. Turns out, even "moderate" drinking might not be as harmless as we thought, especially when it comes to cancer. We're still piecing it all together, but it's clear we need to dig deeper. And hey, it’s Alcohol Awareness Month, so let's get into it!

Quick Recap: What We've Covered So Far:

We've already tackled the former Surgeon General's warnings about alcohol and which cancers are linked to it. Missed those posts? No worries, you can catch up here: Week 1 and here: Week 2.

Those "Moderate Drinking" Guidelines? They're Getting Questioned:

So, you know how they say one drink for women and two drinks for men is "moderate"? (1)Turns out, that's kinda... arbitrary. Those guidelines say a "standard drink" is:

• 12 oz of regular beer

• 5 oz of wine

• 1.5 oz of liquor

  
  

But here's the thing: Former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy is basically saying, "Those numbers? Not really based on solid science." He was pushing for a serious re-evaluation, because even a little booze might be riskier than we thought. In fact, studies indicate that women who drink roughly one alcoholic beverage daily have a 10% higher risk of breast cancer compared to non-drinkers. This risk jumps to 32% for women who consume more than two drinks per day. (2)

Is it Just How Much You Drink? Maybe Not:

We know quantity matters, but it's probably not the whole story. We're still figuring out the other pieces, like:

• What's in your drink? Could certain chemicals in some booze make a difference? We're not sure yet but it's a possibility.

• Your genes: Do some people have a higher risk because of their DNA? Likely. (3)

• Your lifestyle: Does eating healthy and exercising help? It's very likely, but we don't know exactly how much.
  

What We Still Don't Know (and it's a lot):

We've got more questions than answers right now. Like:

• Is there any safe amount of alcohol?

• How do genes, diet, and exercise play into this?

• Do different types of alcohol have different risks?

• How much does low level alcohol consumption increase cancer risk?

  
  

  

  
  

Bottom Line (And What You Can Do):

The alcohol and cancer connection? It's a tangled web, and we're still figuring out the threads. The current "moderate drinking" guidelines? They're under serious scrutiny, and rightly so. The truth is, we need a whole lot more research to get a clear picture. So, what does this mean for you?

1. Play it safe. If you're going to drink, do it mindfully. Be aware of how much you're consuming, and consider cutting back or abstaining altogether. The less you drink, the lower your risk.(3)

2. Stay informed. Keep an eye on the latest research and guidelines. Don't just take old advice at face value. The science is evolving, and we need to evolve with it.

   
   

Ultimately, your health is in your hands. Let's make informed choices and demand a clearer understanding of alcohol's impact on our lives. Need help reducing your alcohol intake? Let's make a plan together; schedule a 1:1 call with me and let me partner with you to implement healthier behaviors.

References:

1. Guidance on Alcoholic Beverages

   https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/alcohol/info

2. US Surgeon General's Advisory https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/oash-alcohol-cancer-risk.pdf

3. What is the evidence that alcohol drinking can cause cancer https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet