Not everyone is at risk of getting cancer. Even with prolonged exposure to several negative factors, malignant cell transformation does not occur in some people. The mechanism of oncology has been studied only partially, but medicine has information about the influence of various pathogens on the development of the disease. The relationship between alcohol and cancer has been scientifically proven and validated.
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Tumor development
Although ethanol is not one of the direct chemical carcinogens, its toxic effects provoke the appearance of various background diseases. Regular intoxication of the body can push towards a tumor.
Cancer goes through several stages in its development:
- initiation process - the formation of cellular mutations. Normally, the life of cells is "regulated" genetically. The mechanism of its division, nutrition and death is embedded in the DNA. Failures and mutations are caused by unfavorable heredity, hormonal imbalance, and the influence of carcinogens. The tumor may never appear, but there are already reasons for it;
- promotion - characterized as long-term exposure to pathogenic factors: unhealthy diet, poor ecology, exhausting stress, psychosomatic disorders, harmful radiation. This period can last for decades, after which a malignant tumor forms in the body;
- progression is the stage of cancer enlargement and metastasis. The altered cells grow and invade new areas of the body. During this period, the disease is practically not amenable to treatment.
In the presence of mutational processes in the body, alcohol is incorporated into the pathogenesis scheme at the stage of promotion. Regular exposure to alcohol disrupts the metabolism, the work of the vascular system and the central nervous system, and the product of its metabolism - acetaldehyde - affects the tissues of all internal organs.
The pathogenic effect of alcohol on the body
A serious contribution to the formation of cancer is made by constant chemical irritation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract with alcohol. As a result, vulnerable tissues are easily injured and inflamed.
Alcohol abusers develop the so-called precancerous diseases: atrophic forms of gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, chronic pancreatitis. When using low-quality alcohol or its surrogates, the risk of cancer of the larynx, esophagus, and pancreas increases.
More than other organs, the liver suffers, forced to process all the poisons that enter. Under the influence of toxic acetaldehyde, hepatocytes grow in size and die quickly. Functional tissue is replaced by connective tissue. It has been established that the majority of cases of cirrhosis and subsequent squamous cell carcinoma - liver carcinoma - are recorded in alcoholics.
There is medical evidence that alcohol contributes to the development of hormone-dependent breast cancer in women.
Alcohol blocks the absorption and assimilation of most nutrients, vitamins and minerals. A deficiency of antioxidants in the body leads to disruption of redox reactions and an increase in the damaging effect of free radicals. All this favors the development of cell mutation.
Ethyl alcohol is a fermentation product of sugars, and simple carbohydrates are the main food for malignant tumors. Even small doses of alcohol in the presence of cancer accelerate the destructive process, promote progression and metastasis.
Acetaldehyde causes the destruction of red blood cells and damages the cell membranes of all tissues. In addition, this alcoholic metabolite multiplies the action of all types of carcinogens, including poisonous nicotine tar. But mutated tissues do not suffer from its impact, since the mechanism of their life is already irreversibly disrupted.
The main internal enemy of cancer cells is strong immunity. Phagocytes and other protective agents inhibit the growth of tumors, destroy mutated particles, and prevent the separation, migration and development of metastases. The formation of a strong immune defense of the body is one of the directions of treatment when surgery is impossible. At the same time, the tumor tissue is “conserved” and stops growing. Alcohol in cancer reduces immunity. Even a single drink significantly weakens the body, increases the risk of contracting an infectious disease. Regular drinking practically disarms the body, taking away the immune defense. Cancer in such situations develops and metastasizes much faster.
The connection between oncology and alcohol, although indirect, exists.
Is there a benefit to alcohol
Allegations that moderate doses of alcoholic beverages contribute to the prevention and reverse development of malignant neoplasms are untenable.
Clinical studies on this matter have indeed been carried out at different periods. The subjects - patients with various forms of cancer - were allowed to take alcohol during treatment. But the results of the experiments did not give any positive results. Neither the type, nor the dose, nor the duration of alcohol consumption had a significant effect on the tumor, and in some cases progression was noted.
However, some medical professionals continue to defend the point of view that a small amount of vodka or wine gradually destroys cancer. As an argument, they present cases of a favorable outcome of the disease in some patients who drank under medical supervision. But the connection of successfully resolved diseases precisely from the use of alcohol, and not as a result of complex treatment, has not been proven.
In microscopic doses, the human body produces ethanol in the intestines. No additional therapeutic or prophylactic doses of it are required from the outside. The amount of drinking that many doctors say is acceptable is not beneficial. This does not mean a curative effect, but the minimum damage caused to the liver and other organs in such cases. But even small doses taken daily gradually lead to negative systemic changes.
Medical and radiation therapy for cancer is a difficult test for a weakened body. Sometimes the treatment itself endangers a person's life. During chemotherapy, potent substances are used that destroy the remnants of the tumor after its removal and prevent its metastases. Exposure to radiation serves the same purpose. Healthy tissues, organs and systems are affected. A person experiences a constant loss of strength, nausea, headaches, and is unable to eat normally. Drinking alcohol in such situations is literally tantamount to suicide. The combination of chemicals and ethanol can cause instant death.
It is also not always wise to use alcohol to remove radionuclides from the blood after radiation therapy sessions. For these purposes, there are special medications and a gentle diet.
Cancer from alcohol does not appear. But abuse affects the mechanism of tumor development and is considered one of the provoking factors. Ethanol does not have any therapeutic effect in oncological diseases. In medicine, not a single case of cancer cure in drinking people has been registered. On the contrary, the medical history ended happily only in those who completely gave up alcohol and all bad habits.
Collapse
Around the topic is it possible to drink alcohol with a diagnosis of cancer, there are many myths and reliable opinions. With oncological diseases, the body is in a depressed state. Desiring to consume alcohol despite the diagnosis, the patient reduces the likelihood of recovery to zero. Cancer and alcohol are mutually exclusive. The compatibility of drugs against oncology is zero, and the toxic effect has been proven. Oncologists say that alcoholic beverages should be excluded from the patient's diet until the end of rehabilitation.
Research on this topic
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2012 ranked alcohol as a cancer-promoting substance. Protection and prevention of the oncological threat at the state level is getting rid of alcoholism as a mass phenomenon. Studies in 26 countries have shown disappointing figures. Of 35% of cancer patients, 11% are chronically binge citizens.
According to statistics from 2002 in Europe, 3.6% of cancers are associated with alcohol abuse. Among the percentage of cancers, the leading group are:
- esophagus;
- larynx;
- pharynx;
- stomach;
- colon and rectum;
- liver;
- pancreas;
- lungs;
- breast.
In most cases, the reason for the manifestation of a decrease in immunity and the formation of cancer was the consumption of vodka. This is due to the increased level of ethanol in the drink. The higher the percentage of this substance, the closer the likelihood of the formation of a cancer cell.
Under the Women's Health Initiative, the likelihood of risks of estrogen-positive breast tumors is more likely in subjects consuming ethanol. The percentage among patients is higher among those practicing drinking alcoholic beverages.
The mechanism of influence on the formation of a cancer cell consists of exceeding the level of toxicity by the decay products of ethanol. According to studies, cells that are unable to protect themselves from an excess of decay products begin to actively divide.
Can I drink alcohol for cancer?
With the established diagnosis of cancer, it is forbidden to take alcohol. This rule is especially valid for stomach cancer, since the main mechanisms are paralyzed - absorption, regeneration, desquamation of the epithelium. The depressing effect of alcohol suppresses the work of the mucous membrane and the production of secretions. As a result, healthy cells become food for aggressive cancerous tissues.
5 reasons why alcohol should be banned for cancer:
- alcohol contains a high sugar content that feeds cancer;
- toxicity from ethanol breakdown products increases with cancer;
- ethanol provokes the destruction of the walls of healthy cells;
- fluid retention due to metabolic failure leads to the creation of a pathogenic environment;
- under the influence of toxicity, carcinogenic substances are produced.
Medicines fused against the formation of malignant cells react with alcohol. The resulting chemical compounds additionally destroy the body and increase the risks of liver cirrhosis.
Is it possible to code for alcoholism in oncology?
Defeating alcoholism alone is not given to every person. Even under the threat of cancer, the affected nervous system and depressed consciousness are not capable of independent struggle. The coding systems come to the rescue. For many, the question of whether it can be encoded in cancer remains relevant.
In his works, Dr. B. Brovko indicates that in the case of a diagnosis of cancer, a gentle method is coding by the method of suggestion. Hypnosis sessions are highly effective. In this case, physical methods of influence are not used. The practice of hypnotic suggestion has high rates of alcohol withdrawal.
The safety of the method guarantees the rejection of the negative habit. At the same time, there is no danger of progress in cancer cells, since no additional drugs are injected. Medication to get rid of alcoholism is possible in the early stages. There are not enough statistics on the number of positive outcomes without the risk of cancer progression, which makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
Alcohol as a factor in the emergence of cancer
Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages provokes suppression of the immune system. With a general weakening of the body, cancer cells arise in the organs most susceptible to destructive effects.
According to the statistics collected, the most vulnerable authorities are:
- liver;
- pancreas;
- excretory system;
- genitals;
- stomach;
- endocrine glands;
- lymphatic system.
Excessive alcohol consumption with constant consumption leads to the production of a large number of substances that provoke cancer. The body is not able to remove waste compounds and secrete a small amount of antibodies to fight newly formed abnormal cells.
Excessive consumption of alcohol provokes suppression of the immune system
The very system of recognition of defective cells suffers. Thanks to this, oncological manifestations have a chance in the early stages to be unnoticed by the immune system.
With oncology, the state of the cell walls of tissues becomes thinner, they let in more toxic substances. A failure occurs in the defense mechanisms, which leads to the formation of new foci of cancer cells.
The relationship between the amount of alcohol consumed and the occurrence of cancer
According to the data collected by the International Organization for Research on Cancer, the average daily allowable intake is 25 grams of high quality ethanol. According to statistics, this portion is exceeded by the residents of the CIS by 25%, the countries of Western Europe by 19%, and by the residents of the United States by 21%.
Fact: "The statistical data confirm that regular consumption of 4-5 liters of low-quality beer per day leads to the formation of cancer cells in the liver, intestines, and larynx."
How does alcohol trigger cancer?
With various diseases provoked by alcoholism, malfunctions in metabolic processes develop. The cells accumulate substances that are suitable in terms of parameters as a nutrient medium for cancer cells.
So with the suppression of the intestines and the digestive system, the breakdown of fats is difficult. The body sends the excess to fatty tissue. In people suffering from alcoholism, there is an increased deposition in the waist, hips, thoracic region.
On this environment, cancer cells can increase the percentage of their volume exponentially. The effect of alcohol on cancer is directly proportional. Abuse leads to the deposition of carcinogenic breakdown products in the adipose tissue.
This impact spreads to other systems. The excretory system is not able to drain the fluid in the right amount. Oversaturation with liquids leads to the formation of a pathogenic environment. The percentage of infections rises.
The defeat of the vessels leads to the gradual death of cells. Formed trophic foci become an additional source of body poisoning. In the lymphatic system, under double load, inflammation develops. It becomes another source of decreased immunity. In such conditions, the percentage of increase in the risk of cancer is 65%.
Alcohol Triggers Cancer - Proven!
Conclusion
Alcohol has been shown to cause cancer when abused. Regular excess of the daily norm, and an increase in the amount of alcohol, forms a fertile ground for the formation of oncology. The sugar contained in alcoholic beverages becomes a substrate for cancer cells to feed.
The body with cancer experiences an immune deficiency, which leads to the development of additional diseases. Accumulating, the number of problems lead to the suppression of the body's resistance systems. Timely treatment can give a chance for recovery.
← Previous article Next article →This article describes the effects of alcohol consumption on cancer. Alcohol affects several non-cancer diseases, but we will not dwell on them in this work. Briefly, the list of non-cancer diseases associated with alcohol consumption is as follows: alcoholic neuropathy, alcoholic cardiomyopathy, alcoholic gastritis, depression and other mental illnesses, hypertension, hemorrhagic stroke, cirrhosis and liver fibrosis, acute, etc. Moreover, alcohol consumption is an important cause of various injuries, and alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with a variety of adverse effects, including fetal alcohol syndrome, spontaneous, low birth weight, premature birth, and intrauterine growth retardation. There is evidence that this effect of alcohol depends on the polymorphism of genes encoding enzymes of alcohol metabolism (alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450 2E1), folate and DNA repair.
The study of alcohol consumption and its effects is hampered by several factors, including the high incidence of many diseases such as coronary heart disease and cirrhosis; the age structure of the population, since the incidence of many diseases caused by alcohol decreases with age, and the incidence of cancer and coronary heart disease increases; as well as the nature of alcohol consumption due to the fact that its beneficial effect in relation to coronary heart disease when taking large doses is not noted.
In developing countries, the lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and the higher incidence of injury were responsible for alcohol in 2000 accounting for 1,524,000 deaths among men and 301,000 among women. Thus, in total, alcohol led to 1 804 thousand deaths during the year, or 3.2% of all deaths.
Epidemiology of alcohol-related cancer
In our analysis of the articles we found, we focused on those that provided evidence of alcohol-related cancer risk, especially if the relationship between dose and risk, the differences between different types of alcoholic beverages, and interactions with other risk factors were examined. cancer. If there was a meta-analysis for a specific form of cancer, we used the most recent publication.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth, larynx, pharynx and esophagus
A causal relationship between increased alcohol consumption and cancers of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus was first noted in the mid-1950s. Epidemiological studies of these tumors have demonstrated the carcinogenic effect of alcohol abuse and have found a linear relationship between the likelihood of developing cancer and the duration and volume of alcohol consumption. The synergy between alcohol intake and smoking was first described in the 1970s. and has since become a classic example of the interaction of two external factors in carcinogenesis. The carcinogenic effect of alcohol independent of smoking (i.e., increased risk in nonsmokers) was first demonstrated in 1961 and has been repeatedly confirmed thereafter. These studies have shown a fairly consistent relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing cancer in the upper digestive tract among nonsmokers. Analysis of types of alcoholic beverages did not show significant differences, and in most studies, the highest risk was associated with the most frequently consumed alcoholic beverage, which may indicate insufficient data on relatively rarely consumed beverages, incomplete collection of information or incorrect classification of drinks. We also analyzed the differences between different parts of the head and neck in the degree of cancer risk associated with alcohol use. This analysis showed that the risk is highest in areas that are previously exposed to alcohol-containing liquids, such as the tongue and upper larynx.
Studies of the relationship between alcohol consumption and the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma have yielded conflicting results. In some studies, an increase in the risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and cardiac part of the stomach by 1.5-4.0 times was noted. Many of these studies were small, while in larger studies, such a relationship was not identified. What's more, these studies have shown a reduction in risk overall or with certain types of alcoholic beverages. Also not
the existence of a relationship between alcohol intake and the development of adenocarcinoma of the cardiac stomach was confirmed. Thus, the existing data do not support an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma and alcohol intake.
Currently, there is no convincing evidence of the existence of a relationship between alcohol intake and the development of stomach cancer. A review of 52 epidemiological studies found a significant association in two of 12 cohort studies and 8 of 40 case-control studies. In these two cohort studies, the number of deaths was relatively small, and the relationship between alcohol dose and cancer development has not been studied. Of the eight case-control studies, four had a risk of 1.5–1.7 when compared with a group of people who did not drink alcohol. Since the publication of this review, several more papers have been published in Europe, Asia and the United States. In most of them, the link between alcohol intake and the development of stomach cancer has not been confirmed. In those studies in which such an association was found, the relationship between dose and risk of developing the disease was not studied. Several studies have shown the existence of a link between the risk of developing stomach cancer and the use of certain types of alcoholic beverages, including vodka in Russia, wine in Italy, and spirits and beer in Uruguay. However, the relationship between alcohol intake and stomach cancer has not been reliably established.
Colon and rectal cancer
Several studies have confirmed, although not always unambiguous, the existence of a link between alcohol intake and the development of adenoma and adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum. A review of 27 epidemiological studies found that cohort studies had a 1.0 to 1.7-fold increase in risk for colon cancer, as was the case for rectal cancer. The researchers concluded that such data indicate no or a slight increase in the risk of developing these forms of cancer as a result of alcohol abuse. A meta-analysis of cohort studies and case-control studies showed a moderate increase in the risk of developing colon and rectal cancer, depending on the volume of alcohol consumption. A pooled analysis of 8 cohort studies found a relationship between the amount of alcohol consumed and the increased risk of colon and rectal cancer. These studies did not demonstrate any difference in risk for different types of alcoholic beverages, or between colon and rectal cancers.
It is known that some dietary habits, in particular, insufficient intake of folate, can lead to an increase in the risk of developing colon and rectal cancer by 2-5 times; alcohol is also known to interfere with folate metabolism. Alcohol intake and inadequate folate intake may work together, or alcohol may interfere with folate metabolism, thus increasing the risk of colon and rectal cancer. Because the existing data indicate only a modest increase in the risk of colon and rectal cancer from alcohol abuse, such dietary co-factors may be of great importance. Cancer risk was assessed in a pooled analysis based on vitamin intake, including folate, and there was a significant association between alcohol intake and the likelihood of cancer. An additional analysis showed that the risk of developing colon and rectal cancer was slightly increased among people who did not take vitamins, received insufficient amounts of folate, methionine, and also among smokers, but these differences were not statistically significant. Thus, there is currently no conclusive evidence that the link between alcohol intake and the risk of colon and rectal cancer is due to inadequate vitamin intake. Such a connection, although it may be of a moderate nature, still exists.
Alcohol abuse increases the risk of liver cancer. A meta-analysis revealed a relationship between the amount of alcohol consumed and the risk of developing liver cancer, which was 1.8 times increased in heavy drinkers (more than 100 g per day). The study also found that alcohol use is an important risk factor for cirrhosis, with a 27 times higher incidence among heavy drinkers.
The most likely mechanism for increasing the risk of liver cancer with alcohol abuse is the development of cirrhosis, although other factors, including changes in hepatic metabolism of carcinogens, may be at play. Alcohol-induced cirrhosis is most likely the main risk factor for liver cancer in populations with a low incidence of hepatitis B and C (United States and Northern Europe). The risk of developing liver cancer is also increased by the interaction of factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as viral hepatitis B and C and alcohol consumption.
Although most studies that have examined the relationship between alcohol intake and the risk of pancreatic cancer have not yielded results, several studies have confirmed the existence of such an association. A meta-analysis of 17 studies did not demonstrate an association between alcohol intake and pancreatic cancer. Other studies have confirmed a link with severe alcohol abuse. In one of these studies, the risk of pancreatic cancer was increased by 3 times among people who consumed 4 or more servings of alcoholic beverage per day. Due to the fact that smoking is an important risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer, it cannot be excluded that this factor could influence the result of this work. The existing evidence for a link between alcohol intake and pancreatic cancer is inconclusive. If such a connection does exist, then it is most likely mediated through the development of chronic pancreatitis.
Several studies have noted a relationship between alcohol intake and breast cancer risk. According to a meta-analysis that included 38 epidemiological studies, the risk was increased by 1.1 times (95% confidence interval from 1.1 to 1.2) among those who drank one alcohol per day, 1.2 (1.1 -1.3) among those who consume two servings and 1.4 (1.2-1.6) among those who consume three or more servings of alcohol daily compared to non-drinkers. A pooled analysis of 6 cohort studies found a similar moderate increase in risk, depending on the volume of consumption, when taking into account the main risk factors for development, such as the presence of breast cancer in relatives and reproductive history. A careful analysis of 53 epidemiological studies (58,515 breast cancer patients) showed an increase of 7.1% (5.5% -8.7%) for every 10 grams of alcohol per day. Moreover, the effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk among smokers did not differ from that of nonsmokers. There were no differences in the degree of risk depending on the type of alcoholic beverage. An association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk has been shown both before and after, and it is not known whether a period of alcohol abuse affects cancer development. Although the risk of alcohol-related breast cancer is not greatly increased, the high incidence of this tumor explains that the number of people with alcohol-related breast cancer outnumbered all other forms of alcohol-related cancer in women.
Although a link between lung cancer and alcohol use has been suggested in a review of eight case-control studies, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that it exists. A meta-analysis of the relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of lung cancer has not found strong evidence, although an increased risk in people with heavy alcohol abuse cannot be ruled out. A similar conclusion was reached by the authors of a pooled analysis of data from 7 prospective studies, in which the most pronounced effect of alcohol was noted among nonsmokers, which indicates that the increased risk in heavily alcohol abusers is not associated with smoking.
Other forms of cancer
Alcohol does not increase your risk of endometrial, bladder, or prostate cancer. The possible protective effect of alcohol on and on the kidneys needs further study. A pooled analysis of 9 case-control studies that included patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma showed a reduced risk of disease among alcohol users, which may partly explain the discord between earlier studies of alcohol and lymphoma.
Genetic predisposition to alcohol-related cancer
There is evidence that the risk of cancer from alcohol consumption is genetic. The main efforts were directed to the study of genes responsible for the metabolism of alcohol, folate, and DNA repair.
Mechanisms of the carcinogenic effect of alcohol
The mechanisms by which alcohol exerts its carcinogenic effect are not fully understood and are likely to differ in different organs, as in the case of other carcinogens. Table 2 summarizes the known or putative mechanisms of cancer induced by alcoholic beverages, as well as information about the validity of the existing evidence.
Pure ethanol did not have a carcinogenic effect in animal studies, and therefore alcoholic beverages can only be solvents that facilitate the penetration of carcinogens into the body through the mucous membrane of the upper food and respiratory tract. While this mechanism may explain the synergy between the effects of smoking and alcohol consumption, it cannot be applied to explain the increased risk in people who have never smoked.
The primary metabolite of ethanol, acetaldehyde, is a likely candidate for carcinogenicity, although there is no conclusive evidence of its importance as a direct cause of cancer in humans. Acetaldehyde binds to DNA in vitro in human cells, as well as in rats that have been drinking alcohol for a long time. In animal studies, inhalation of acetaldehyde has been associated with the formation of tumors in the airways, especially adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal mucosa in rats and laryngeal cancer in hamsters. In addition, acetaldehyde damages hepatocytes, increasing their proliferation. In a study of 24 alcohol abusers and 12 healthy people, the average number of bonds between acetaldehyde and DNA in lymphocytes was 7 times higher among those who consumed alcohol. Autoantibodies to proteins altered by acetaldehyde have been found in the blood and bone marrow of alcohol abusers, and their concentration was higher in patients with alcohol-induced liver disease. These studies indicate that DNA damage occurs with severe alcohol abuse and may be due to the effects of acetaldehyde. Data on the effect of polymorphism of enzymes involved in the metabolism of ethanol and acetaldehyde on the risk of cancer from alcohol consumption confirms the importance of acetaldehyde for these processes.
| Table 2. Possible mechanisms of cancer development due to alcohol intake | ||
| Parameters | Affected organs | |
| Highly credible | ||
| Acetaldehyde DNA damage | ||
| Increased estrogen concentration | Breast | |
| Moderately reliable | ||
| Solvent for other carcinogens | Head and neck, esophagus and liver | |
| Production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species Changes in folate metabolism | Liver and others Large and rectum, chest and others |
|
| Poorly reliable | ||
| Ethanol damage to DNA | Head and neck, esophagus and liver | |
| Lack of vitamins (such as vitamin A) | Head, neck and others | |
| Suppression of immunity | Liver and others | |
| Carcinogenic effect of components other than ethanol | Head, neck, esophagus, liver and others | |
| The classification of the mechanisms of action according to the level of reliability was carried out on the basis of the data available to the authors. | ||
The production of reactive oxygen radicals and nitrogen radicals is another possible mechanism of alcohol-induced carcinogenesis. Oxidative stress leads to a change in lipids, as a result of which electrophilic substances appear that interact with DNA with the formation of exocyclic DNA addition products and reactive aldehydes. This mechanism is especially important for the development of liver cancer and may explain the synergistic effects of alcohol and viral infection. In the liver, oxidative stress
develops as a result of the action of alcohol through the induction of CIR2E1, stimulation of parenchymal cells in response to the action of cytokines and activation of Kupffer's cells.
Severe alcohol abuse can lead to inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals as a result of poor nutrition, impaired intestinal absorption and metabolic changes. Most likely, the most important is the change in folate metabolism, leading to violations of DNA methylation and, as a consequence, control over genes that play an important role in the development of cancer. Alcohol also affects the consumption, absorption and metabolism of vitamins B 12 and B 6, which leads to further changes in DNA methylation. Another putative mechanism for the development of cancer as a result of alcohol consumption is a lack of vitamin A. system, thus creating favorable conditions for the development and metastasis of cancer. This is supported by data from a study that showed a weakening of protection against metastasis in mice treated with alcohol.
Other components of alcoholic beverages besides alcohol may also increase the risk of developing cancer. In spirits (eg whiskey) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbonates have been identified, and in beer - N-nitrosamines; it should be noted, however, that data on the composition of alcoholic beverages, especially strong ones, are insufficient. If these ingredients are important for the development of cancer, the risk may differ for different drinks. However, to date, no convincing data have been obtained on the relationship between the likelihood of developing head and neck cancer and the type of alcoholic drink consumed, and for other organs there is no such information at all.
All of the mechanisms described above are primarily related to cancers of the head, neck, liver, and colon and rectum. In the case of breast cancer, the effects of alcohol have been associated with an increase in estrogen concentration. The most compelling evidence for a similar mechanism has been collected among postmenopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy, but in other groups this effect is also assumed. Other possible mechanisms for the development of cancer as a result of alcohol intake are an increase in susceptibility to external and internal carcinogens, an increase in the propensity of cancer to local growth, as well as effects associated with changes in folate metabolism. Epidemiological evidence of an increased risk of breast cancer in women who consume alcohol is consistent with experimental animal studies showing an increased incidence of spontaneous and chemically induced breast cancers in mice and rats.
The article was prepared and edited by: surgeonAlcohol and cancer claim millions of lives every year: 2.8 million die from the effects of alcoholism, and 7.6 million people die from oncology. There is a relationship between these indicators: during examination, 26% of addicts found malignant tumors. Some people develop cancers due to alcohol abuse. If the cause of the pathology is heredity, then vodka becomes a catalyst that accelerates the growth of diseased cells.
Alcohol as a cause of problems
A team of scientists led by Professor Christopher Forsyth of the Rush University Medical Center of Chicago has proven the effect of alcohol on cancer cells. If a person is sick with the first stage of cancer, is not treated, but also does not drink alcohol, then the transition to the second stage takes on average from 3 to 10 years. With regular alcohol consumption, the period is halved, and the transition to the 3-4th stage with metastasis under the influence of alcohol occurs 72% faster than in patients without dependence.
The pathogenetic mechanisms of cancer development under the influence of alcohol are based on epithelial-mesenchymal destruction. Alcohol provokes suppression of the synthesis of the protein E-caderin and vimetin. From this, the walls of epithelial cells become loose, the intercellular connection is lost, and the body, wanting to fill the voids formed, starts cell division. This is how cancerous tissues receive a "signal" to increase in size.
The abuse of strong drinks also becomes the cause of an imbalance in nutrition, a deficiency of substances with antioxidant properties that protect the internal organs from oncology. A cancer factor is the fact that alcohol dramatically reduces the immune system, causes a weakening of the body.
Alcoholic drinks provoke gastritis, ulcers, inflammation of the esophagus, toxic damage to the prostate and other diseases. There is a high risk that in an advanced form they will turn into carcinoma or another form of oncology.
What types of cancer cause alcoholic beverages
The World Health Organization, in its latest report of February 8, 2018, announced the 7 most common types of oncology provoked by regular alcohol consumption. Alcohol is more likely to cause cancer:
- intestines,
- breast,
- esophagus,
- larynx,
- throat,
- liver,
- prostate gland.
If a person combines the use of vodka with drugs, then the risk of developing flat skin cancer increases (heroin addicts and amphetamines are especially susceptible to it). Alcoholism, which goes hand in hand with nicotine addiction, provokes damage to the respiratory organs - the bronchi and lungs (with a double dependence, the likelihood of such oncology is 3 times greater than with only one smoking).
Breast
In 2006, American scientist Wendy E. Chen from the Dana-Farber Institute of Oncology in Boston published the results of a study proving the effect of alcohol on breast cancer. It was found that:
- If you drink 300 ml of wine daily for 5 years, the chance of getting breast cancer increases by 15%.
- Drinking more drink increases the likelihood of cancer by 28%.
In a special risk zone - women during menopause, who, even without alcohol, are predisposed to cancer (due to hormonal disruptions). Alcohol provokes breast cancer due to a malfunction in the production of estrogen or progesterone, in violation of the absorption of folic acid.
In theory, if you monitor hormone levels and take bioactive supplements, then the risk of getting a tumor decreases, but does not completely disappear, since there is still a third factor. Alcohol with prolonged use triggers a mutated BRAF gene (it is a "carrier" of a hereditary predisposition to oncology). If this happens, the cancer will begin to spread at lightning speed, the person will "burn out" from the disease in a couple of years.
Prostate
Prostate damage from alcohol occurs for three reasons. First, ethyl alcohol is converted to cancer-causing acetaldehyde. The second reason is that alcoholic beverages impair the body's ability to process substances important for the gland (vitamins of groups A, C, D, E, zinc, carotenoids).
Another factor is a deterioration in the condition of blood vessels and an increase in the tendency to stagnate blood, which leads to a congestive form of prostatitis. In the absence of timely treatment, inflammation turns into a tumor.
The insidiousness of the disease is that if you drink hard drinks constantly, then the first symptoms of cancer are easy to miss. The man blames the pain in the abdomen, worsening urination, sharp weight loss on alcoholism and does not go to the doctor to check the condition of the prostate.
Other types of cancer
Alcohol has a direct effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Causing burns to the walls, leads to constant inflammation, suppuration, necrosis - all these are factors for the development of cancer of the stomach, throat, esophagus, oral cavity.
As for bowel cancer, with alcoholism, the colon is affected in 80% of cases, and the rectum in 15%. At risk are people over 60 years old (mostly men) who regularly consume strong drinks - moonshine, vodka, whiskey.
Tumors in the liver occur as a consequence of chronic diseases - alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. According to statistics, 28% of these diseases lead to oncology (but even if cancer does not occur, then a person with these diseases rarely lives longer than 5 years).
How to use it safely
To reduce the likelihood of developing cancer, you must completely stop drinking. If you do not want to give up alcohol, then you should reduce the amount of drinks you drink. Relatively safe daily measure (according to dietary guidelines):
The regularity and duration of drunkenness plays a role. A small glass of booze every day is not much safer than a large bottle once a week. If we take the dosage indicated in the table as a unit, then the excess will be the weekly consumption of more than 3 units. women and 4 units. men.
The quality of the products used is important. A good, expensive wine will be safer than a similar amount of drink with colorings and synthetic flavors. The most dangerous, according to oncologists, is the abuse of liquor. In addition to ethyl alcohol, it contains a lot of sugar, which is another catalyst for the growth of cancer cells.
Is it possible to drink alcohol with oncology?
There is a myth that a little alcohol in cancer helps to heal. This misconception appeared due to the symptomatic help of alcoholic beverages - light anesthesia and temporary elimination of signs of depression in cancer patients give the illusion of an improvement in well-being. There is no scientific evidence that a glass of red wine, vodka, or other strong drink destroys cancer cells and prevents metastases. The effectiveness of alternative methods of treating oncology, such as the Shevchenko method (daily use of a cocktail of vodka and sunflower oil), has not been confirmed either.
Rarely drinking a small amount of high-quality alcohol with diagnosed cancer is not prohibited - but only during remissions. During chemotherapy, alcohol is strictly prohibited due to the lack of compatibility (fortified drinks will reduce the effectiveness of treatment or provoke strong adverse reactions).
Important: Drinking alcohol by healthy people or patients with diagnosed cancer is everyone's business. But if you want to live longer, then you should minimize your alcohol consumption. With the development of alcoholism, you should undergo a course of addiction treatment, be coded. This will not completely save you from oncology, but the likelihood of the disease will decrease at least 3 times.
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Even schoolchildren know that regular consumption of alcoholic beverages harms the whole body. In fact, ethanol, which is part of any alcohol, is a powerful toxin that destructively affects the work of all internal organs and causes persistent dependence on the physical and psychological level.
It is especially undesirable to drink an intoxicating drink for persons who have various diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, nervous and genitourinary systems. But what about oncology? Is cancer and alcohol compatible, because any person, even a seriously ill person, sometimes wants to relax and unwind.
Cancer tumors and alcoholic beverages are closely related things... Indeed, it is precisely those persons who are adherents of the "green serpent" that the risk of encountering such troubles is much increased. Moreover, it does not matter at all what exactly a person likes to drink - vodka, beer, champagne or wine.
It was found that every year alcohol becomes the culprit in the development of oncological processes in 6% of all cases of pathology.
It should be noted that not all drinkers will get cancer. This requires a combination of several parameters at once. To understand them, one should find out the specifics of the origin of cancer cells against the background of drinking alcohol:
- When ethanol is in the body, it, under the influence of liver enzymes, begins to actively break down. One of the side compounds is acetaldehyde, an extremely dangerous and toxic substance. This carcinogen is extremely destructive to the cellular structure; it leads to damage to the DNA helix and subsequent mutation of cell proteins. Acetaldehyde also contributes to the accelerated growth of liver cell tissue, which leads to the destruction of the organ.
- The generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) is also involved in damage to DNA structures. These compounds are side forms of metabolic processes, which are enhanced by the intake of ethanol into the body.
- Alcohol-containing products significantly reduce the body's ability to actively absorb and assimilate vital vitamins and nutrients (in particular, carotenoids, B-group vitamins, A, E, D and C).
- With the malignant abuse of alcohol (especially beer) in the body, the level of estrogen sharply ages. An excess amount of this substance becomes a common cause of malignant neoplasms.
- The level of B-group vitamin (folic acid) in the body is markedly lowered in constantly drinking persons. It is an extremely important compound that promotes full cell division and the production of high-quality DNA.
From these conclusions drawn by doctors, it can be summed up that alcohol and oncology have a close and strong relationship. Long-term consumption of alcohol has a detrimental effect on the body already at the cellular level. But it is the disorderly cell division and their further mutations that lead to the formation of cancerous tumors.
Useful tips to prevent the development of cancer
If a person is already sick with cancer, it is strongly discouraged to consume alcohol for a cancer patient.
How to prevent cancer processes
This topic has long been discussed by leading medical specialists. Doctors have established safe volumes of alcohol that do not bring tangible harm to health. But these proportions only apply to healthy people. In cancer processes, alcohol is harmful in any concentration.
The fair sex is allowed to use only one product in which there is ethanol (in a reduced content) per day. For men, this dose is doubled (that is, two servings with a low alcohol content or one serving of strong alcohol). In this case, one safe dose should contain only up to 14% alcohol inclusion.
But it must be borne in mind that these recommendations are conditional, because the human body is individual, and alcohol has a different effect on the personality. Ethanol, even at these safe doses, turns into a "silent killer" if a person has:
- hidden cellular damage;
- genetic predisposition.
These situations become a favorable reason for the development of oncology and require permanently to stop drinking alcohol. Is it possible to drink alcohol for cancer, if this product is the main enemy of the immune system? Immunity for cancer patients is extremely important, especially when undergoing chemotherapy sessions. If, with this development of events, indulge in even weak alcohol, this will lead to a significant aggravation of the course of the disease and provoke tumor growth.
What type of oncology is ethanol involved in?
Oncologists, based on years of research, have drawn interesting conclusions. It turns out that there is some connection between ethanol and the appearance of certain types of cancer in humans. In particular:
- Oncology of the hepatic organ (hepatocellular carcinoma). Most often, this form of cancer becomes a consequence of liver cirrhosis. According to statistics, about 800,000 people die from this oncology every year.
- Cancers of the larynx, mouth and throat. It has been noticed that women most often face this type of oncological processes. The daily consumption of alcohol in the amount of more than 50 g increases the risks of facing such a disease 3-4 times.
- Cancer of the stomach and esophagus. The main victims of such oncology are persons who have a decrease in the enzymatic activity of the liver and its inability to produce a normal amount of alcohol dehydrogenase (an enzyme by which ethanol is broken down and utilized). Statistics say 650,000 people die from this disease every year.
- Oncological processes of the intestines (colorectal cancer). According to the data, mortality from this type of cancer accounts for about 8-9% of all oncology.
- Malignant formations of the pancreas. More than 200,000 people die annually in the world against the background of this disease.
- Breast oncology. It is noted that the abuse of beer is most implicated in the appearance of this kind of pathology. If you regularly drink a large amount of foam, the chance of earning yourself this type of oncology increases 2-3 times.
Found that ethanol contributes to the development of cancer
Dangerous myths
When the question of whether it is possible to drink alcohol with cancer is considered, various frivolous beliefs sometimes surface. They relate to self-treatment of cancer. Unfortunately, many people unconditionally believe these rumors and lose precious time, which sometimes costs a person's life.
Nikolay Shevchenko's way
The essence of the method consists of the daily use of a suspension-mixture consisting of good vodka and unrefined sunflower oil in the same proportion. According to the author, such a mess successfully helps to cope with oncology. Needless to say, trusting his fate to such would-be aesculapians, the patient only wastes time and chances for a cure.
Red wine inhibits the development of cancer
Another myth that is actively flourishing, especially among fans of this type of alcohol. Indeed, natural, dry red wine has a number of beneficial properties. In particular:
- stimulates blood circulation;
- activates metabolic processes;
- helps to restore collagen levels.
But in order for the wine to really benefit, it should be drunk no more than 3 tbsp. l. per day (about 50 g). By the way, the most recommended in terms of healing effects on the body are such wines as "Merlot", "Cabernet" and "Pinot Noir". As for any effect on oncological processes, there are no confirmed data. People who consume red wine for healing purposes are as prone to cancer as others.
It is impossible to cure a person from cancer and stop the growth of cancer cells with any folk remedies, and even more so with alcohol. Belief in such "miracles" has already ruined more than one hundred lives.
Whether to get carried away with alcohol diagnosed with oncology or switch to a completely sober lifestyle is a personal matter. Good and high-quality alcohol, consumed in strictly moderate doses, sometimes really brings some benefits to the body, but only to a healthy one. And with a weakened immune system, which is observed in cancer patients, even a small dose of alcohol consumed daily can provoke the development of persistent alcohol dependence and further worsen the patient's condition.
Alcohol is most dangerous for women with a predisposition to breast cancer
It should be borne in mind that ethyl alcohol itself is the culprit for the development of abnormal division, cell growth and their transformation into malignant ones. Alcohol and oncology are closely related concepts. And such a tandem in the realities of modern life, with poor ecology, poor-quality and unhealthy food, smoking becomes even more dangerous.
Sobriety and only sobriety
If someone else ponders whether it is sometimes possible to relax with alcohol with an established cancer diagnosis, such people should discard any thoughts about alcohol against the background of cancer. Alcohol becomes the most dangerous for cancer patients in the following cases:
- When taking prescribed medications.
- When undergoing chemotherapy procedures.
- When conducting radiation sessions to the patient.
It is highly discouraged to get carried away with alcohol even with a common cold, and oncological processes are among the most dangerous and fatal diseases. But, even if someone still hopes for a positive answer, it is better to consult about this prohibition with the treating oncologist.
The specialist will tell you in detail what kind of lifestyle you should adhere to, what you can and cannot. He will advise on products that will help restore a weakened body, drinks that increase living standards, and separately hold a conversation about the advisability of drinking alcohol.
You should always remember about the sad consequences.
Let's summarize
So, if a cancer patient wants to recover and become healthy, he will have to forget about the use of alcoholic beverages. Otherwise, alcohol will minimize the entire therapeutic effect of the procedures and will only worsen the condition of the cancer patient.
According to the results of the conducted and investigations, it was found that even episodic alcohol consumption in the presence of cancer increases the chance of death in a person 2-3 times and significantly shortens life.
Such a circumstance, when patients, despite all the prohibitions and assurances, stubbornly indulge in frivolous alcoholic libation, leads to 20-25,000 deaths in the presence of malignant neoplasms. Alcohol is especially dangerous for the following groups of cancer patients:
For both sexes:
- cancer of the pharynx, throat, larynx;
- oncology of the digestive system;
- malignant formations of the upper respiratory tract.
For women:
- diagnosed with breast cancer;
- with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer (it was found that about 15-20% of deaths from this disease are associated with alcohol consumption).
All the above facts clearly indicate that with such a disease as oncology, alcohol should be forgotten once and for all. You should not worsen your fate and shorten your life, checking these statistics on your own experience. On the contrary, one should not relax and not look for a non-existent outlet in alcohol, but apply all strength and resilience to defeat cancer using well-known and proven medical methods.
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