Types of Cancer Caused by Drinking Alcohol

The association between liver cancer and alcohol consumption has been thoroughly researched and documented. Long-term, excessive drinking is a major risk factor for cirrhosis, a condition marked by scarring and inflammation of the liver. Over time, healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue, impeding the liver's ability to properly function. Having cirrhosis greatly increases your risk of developing liver cancer.

Many women are surprised to learn that a few drinks a week may increase their risk of breast cancer. Alcohol affects estrogen levels by changing the way the body metabolizes them. Estrogen levels are clearly linked to breast cancer development. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Women who drink moderately or excessively on a regular basis face the most risk.

Those who consume alcohol are six times more likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer than those who don't. Research shows that over 75 percent of people coping with oral cancer are drinkers. Additionally, those who drink and smoke are at an even higher risk of developing the disease.

Throat cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the pharynx and other structures of the throat. Research tells us that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with throat cancer development, but when combined with tobacco, the risk of developing the disease drastically increases. If you smoke and drink, talk to someone about quitting today.

Esophageal cancer develops in the esophagus, a long tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. It has been estimated that about 75 percent of esophageal cancer cases are related to chronic alcohol consumption. The type of esophageal cancer most people who drink excessively develop is usually squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. This is in contrast to esophageal adenocarcinoma which often occurs in response to chronic reflux.

Laryngeal cancer is a type of throat cancer (see above) that affects the larynx or "voice box"—an organ that plays an important role in breathing and communicating. It contains the vocal cords, which give us the sound needed to speak. While tobacco is the prime risk factor in most cases of laryngeal cancer, alcohol, in conjunction with tobacco use, greatly increases the risk. Studies have shown that alcohol enhances (or increases) the carcinogenic effect of tobacco.

Several studies have linked colon cancer to heavy, long-term use of alcohol. According to the American Cancer Society, male drinkers generally have a higher risk than women drinkers, but both are at an increased risk in comparison to nondrinkers.

If you are a heavy drinker, you can greatly reduce your risk of colon cancer and other types of cancer by avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you consume. If you are an alcoholic, your doctor may recommend that you have a colonoscopy earlier than the recommended age to detect any precancerous polyps or cancerous growths.

Numerous studies have examined whether there is an association between alcohol consumption and the risk of other cancers. Evidence is accumulating that alcohol is associated with increased risks of melanoma, as well as prostate and pancreatic cancers.