Alcohol increases cancer risk

The bond that unites the effects of alcohol and the risk of suffering Cancer It is little understood. It may be possible that the type of risk depends on the type of cancer , but how does alcohol increase the risk of suffering from it? The American Heart Society publishes some possible links:

Damage to tissues: Alcohol acts as an irritant, especially in the throat and mouth . The damaged cells will try to repair themselves, which could cause changes in their DNA which can result in cancer. In the colon and rectum, the bacteria can convert alcohol into large quantities of etanal or acetaldehyde, a chemical compound that proved to cause cancer in some animals.

Alcohol and its derivatives can directly affect the liver, and cause inflammation and scars.

Chemical effects: Alcohol can act as solvent and help dangerous chemicals, such as those found in the tobacco , to enter more easily to digestive tract. This could explain why people who take alcohol and smoke , are much more likely to suffer mouth or throat cancer , that if they only made one of the two options.

In other cases, alcohol slows the body's ability to break down and eliminate some harmful chemicals .

Effects on estrogen and other hormones: Alcohol can increase the levels of estrogen , hormone responsible for the development of breast tissue . This could entail a risk in the development of breast cancer .

Low level of folate and other nutrients: The folate It is a form of folic acid. This vitamin is necessary to keep healthy cells of the body. Alcohol consumption may reduce the natural ability to absorb alcohol vitamin of the food we eat.

Most people are aware that the excessive consumption Alcohol can have short-term effects such as lack of coordination, concentration, mood swings and judgment, among others. However, it is necessary to know the long-term effects and be aware of its possible consequences.


Video Medicine: Breast Cancer Risk Factors Alcohol & Tobacco (March 2024).