Alcohol is associated with higher colorectal cancer deaths in younger adults

While some risk factors – such as age, Family history and genetics — Uncontrollable, there are some lifestyle behaviors that can increase the chances of developing the disease.

One of these is drinking alcohol, which is linked to an increased risk of at least six different types of cancer.

Study: A virus hidden inside gut bacteria is linked to doubling the risk of colorectal cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies alcoholic beverages as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficiently strong evidence that they cause cancer in humans.

Dr. Teresa Cristina Sardinha, chief of colorectal surgery services at Catholic Health Hospital in Long Island, New York, emphasized that alcohol is a known risk factor for all types of cancer, especially skin cancers. Digestive system.

Drinking alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of at least six different types of cancer. (Istock)

“The alcohol, or ethanol, will be metabolized and broken down into acetaldehyde,” she shared with Fox News Digital. “this Alcohol metabolism “It is highly toxic to a cell’s DNA, which over time can lead to the development of cancer.”

Alcohol also alters the gut microbiome, which is another strong factor in cancer risk, according to Sardinha.

Colorectal cancer has officially become the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women aged 50 or younger. (Istock)

“The microbiome has a major impact on many colorectal pathogens, and diet and alcohol certainly influence Types of bacteria In your stomach.”

The doctor said that when the intestines’ “first line of defense” is disrupted, it can lead to a series of changes – especially DNA damage, inflammation and oxidative stress within cells.

“These processes are closely linked to the development of cancer, which is why alcohol is considered a carcinogen.”

Nearly 40% of cancer cases could be prevented through 3 lifestyle changes, study finds

The relationship between alcohol and Colorectal cancer The risk is “dose dependent,” she said.

“Patients who drink regularly for a long period of time, i.e. at least 10 years, will have a lifetime increased incidence of colorectal cancer.”

“The negative impact of spirits (hard alcoholic beverages) is greater than that of beer, which is more than that of wine,” one doctor told Fox News Digital. (Istock)

Research shows that for those who drink at least two drinks a day — which is considered “moderate consumption,” the doctor said — their lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer will increase by at least 25%.

A heavier drinker, a consumer More than two drinks On the day, there will be a significantly greater risk.

A study found that colorectal cancer is now the deadliest type for a certain group of Americans

“What really makes the difference is not just the size, but also the frequency,” Sardinha said. “I just saw one of my patients who had surgery last week and she was drinking six beers a day, and she developed colon cancer. She’s not Morbid obesityShe’s not a smoker. “Her only risk factor is alcohol.”

The doctor advises her patients to avoid alcohol, “or at least reduce their intake.”

“What really makes the difference is not just volume, but also frequency.”

The doctor pointed out that if someone stops drinking, the danger will not disappear immediately.

“It takes about 10 years on average to know whether your cancer risk has decreased,” she said. “But we know that if you continue to drink, your risk will definitely increase.”

A mother with no symptoms has stage four colorectal cancer – and a rare surgery saved her life

“That’s why we recommend patients stop drinking or significantly reduce their intake, in the same way we tell them to exercise and increase their intake Fruits and vegetables in their diet.”

Sardinha pointed out that alcohol is not the only reason.

“Not all heavy drinkers get cancer, so there must be another mechanism at play,” she said.

Not all types of alcohol are equal in terms of colorectal cancer risk, according to Dr. Nathan Goodyear. Integrative medicine physician At the Williams Cancer Institute in California.

Click here for more health stories

“The negative impact of Spirits (hard liquor) “It’s greater than beer, it’s greater than wine,” he told Fox News Digital.

Goodyear noted that a Danish study also found that wine consumption was associated with a lower risk of death, while beer and spirits were not. Alcoholic beverages were the most dangerous, especially when drinking three to five drinks per day.

Click here to subscribe to our health newsletter

“The effects of wine, beer and spirits were independent of each other,” the doctor said.

He noted that the context in which alcohol is consumed could also play a role.

In addition to stopping or limiting alcohol intake, doctors say other healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as exercise, have been shown to reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer. (Istock)

“In the United States, alcohol is often used in… Addiction context “—another blow to sustaining the rise,” Goodyear said. “But in some communities, like Sardina, Italy, and Ikaria, Greece, wine is part of culture, social ties, and community.”

“Wine is taken outside the context of addiction, and approached in the context of a vegan diet, social settings, daily movement, faith, community and life.”

Other ways to reduce risks

In addition to stopping or limiting alcohol, Sardinha shared other healthy lifestyle behaviors that have been shown to reduce the chances of developing colorectal cancer.

One of the “big and well-established” factors is Do exercise regularlyshe said.

Click here to download the FOX NEWS app

“If you don’t exercise, if you don’t move, you definitely increase your risk of colorectal cancer,” she told Fox News Digital. “Even for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, once they have surgery and are able to exercise, it will improve their condition.” Long term forecast“.

Smoking is another highly carcinogenic habit, and it is a common myth that it is only linked to lung cancer.

“We know that if you continue to drink, your risk will definitely increase.”

“Smoking is a risk factor for most types of cancer, and colorectal cancer is one of them,” Sardinha said.

Taking steps to address and prevent obesity is also a well-established way to reduce risk, as is adopting a healthy diet Follow a healthy diet rich in fiber To promote proper bowel function, according to the doctor.

Test yourself with our latest lifestyle quiz

She said: “Diets that are lower in fiber are often more prone to constipation, and therefore, if there is anything in the food that is carcinogenic, it will have longer direct contact with the intestinal wall, with the cells, and increase the chances of DNA damage.”

“Obviously we can’t change our family history – but these Good lifestyle habits “It will make a difference in your risk of colorectal cancer.”