Alcohol and Cancer: Let’s Talk

By: BHS Features Staff

February 19, 2025

Each year, the World Cancer Research Fund organizes Cancer Prevention Action Week, aimed at helping to prevent cancer by supporting and encouraging individuals to change their daily bad habits to reduce their risk of preventable cancers. 

This year’s Cancer Prevention Action Week looks into the effects of alcohol that can potentially lead to cancer.

Many people do not know the effects that alcohol has with cancer, specifically seven types of cancers due to the consumption of alcohol.

• Breast Cancer
• Bowel Cancer
• Head Cancer
• Neck Cancer
• Oesophageal Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Stomach Cancer

The goal of Cancer Prevention Action Week is to encourage people and the government about the effects that alcohol has and to gain more awareness on the matter.

Why is the government involved with this? Well, that’s because most governments’ strategies on alcohol are outdated, and they need to improve their strategies by applying better labels, changing the taxes and prices, and tightening regulations.

Many people drink for fun and may not know the effects on the body. The effects of alcohol can cause cancer because when alcohol is inside the body, compounds are formed that may damage DNA, and when the DNA is damaged, it causes a high risk of cancer. Drinking can also damage the liver, causing cirrhosis. 

Drinking too much can damage numerous organs such as the liver, heart, and brain. Drinking can also damage the immune system, causing a person to be more attractive to harmful viruses and illnesses. Additionally, the brain’s communication pathways can change a person’s mood and behavior and worsen overall coordination. Drinking too much can also put one at higher risk for strokes. 

Nobody wants cancer, but cancer wants everybody else, especially if you are an alcoholic. So, eliminate or cut down on the partying and go get yourself a nice ice-cold glass of water. 

If you aren’t an alcoholic, show your support and donate to the World Cancer Research Fund.

Be smart, and stay safe! In the words of Tim McGraw, “This ain’t nothing to die for.”

{Information sourced from Awareness Days, WCRF, CPAW, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.}