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Researchers have found a link between some cancers alcohol abuseBut not others.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer says drinking alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer and warns that drinking alcohol even in moderation increases the risk of cancer.
While many cancers have previously been linked to drinking alcohol LiquorIncluding the breast, intestine, esophagus, liver, mouth, larynx, and voice box, researchers Cambridge University And the Karolinska Institute in Sweden said most of the evidence collected on alcohol and its relationship to cancer is “observational.”
The new study, which looks at a person’s genes and certain risk factors, has now challenged the genetic link between alcoholism and alcoholism. breast cancer,
One academic said the finding showed that alcohol “increases the risk of cancer in body parts just by direct exposure to alcohol”.
The technique, known as Mendelian randomization, looks at genetic differences that are associated with certain characteristics – in this example, genes associated with whether people drink more or less alcohol.
Researchers examined genetic data from 1.4 million people taking part in a long-term study in the UK, US and Finland.
The study published in the journal BMC Medicine found a link between genes associated with more alcohol abuse And some cancer types.
The researchers said the findings suggest that drinking alcohol increases the risk of head, neck, esophagus and bowel cancer.
But for other cancers, the evidence was inconsistent or absent. Cambridge University Said.
Looking specifically at the UK data set, the research team also found that genetically predicted alcohol consumption was associated with a 44 percent increased risk of cancer death overall.
“Our investigation confirms the harmful effect of alcohol consumption on cancer risk, but suggests that alcohol alone increases the risk of cancer in any body part by direct exposure to alcohol,” said Professor Stephen Burgess, a statistician at the Medical Research Council Biostatistics Unit at the University of Cambridge, who supervised the study.
“Notably, we did not see evidence supporting an effect of alcohol consumption on breast cancer risk, which is contrary to previous research.”
Dr Susanna Larsson, an epidemiologist at Karolinska Institutet who led the study analysis, said: “We could not confirm an association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk in our genetic study.
“This may mean that the true effect is very small, or that previous findings were influenced by other factors, such as hormone use, which are difficult to fully account for in observational studies.”
Dr Siddharth Kar, a physician-scientist at the University of Cambridge, said: “Although drinking alcohol, especially excessive drinking, is broadly harmful to human health and society, increasing the risk of heart and liver diseases, dementia, suicide and violence, the impact of alcohol on cancer is likely to be more limited.”
Main symptoms of breast cancer in women
NHS
Symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:
- a lump or swelling in your breast, chest, or armpit
- Changes in the skin of your breast, such as dimples (may look like an orange peel) or redness (may be hard to see on black or brown skin)
- Changes in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- Discharge from the nipple (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may contain blood
- Changes in the shape or appearance of your nipple, such as it turning inward (inverted nipple) or having a rash (may look like eczema)
- Pain in your breast or armpit that doesn’t go away – Breast pain that comes and goes is not usually a symptom of breast cancer
Commenting on the study, Dr Claire Knight, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “There is strong evidence from decades of high-quality research linking alcohol to many types of cancer, including breast cancer.
“Even small amounts of alcohol can damage your body’s cells. So whatever your drinking habits, cutting back on alcohol is good for your health and may reduce your risk of cancer.
“But making healthy changes to the world around us can be difficult, and government support is vital.
“That’s why clear warning labels on alcohol are important – to raise awareness and get people to think about how much they drink.”
Sally Kumm, associate director of nursing and health information at Breast Cancer Now, said: “It is important to remember that breast cancer risk is influenced by many different factors including genetics, lifestyle and environment.
“Many of these factors are out of our control, and we can’t say for sure what causes someone’s breast cancer.
“Although this research shows that alcohol cannot directly cause breast cancer, we know from many other studies that there is a link, even though other factors may play a role.
“More research is needed, but we would still recommend limiting alcohol and choosing other healthy lifestyle choices, as it has many undeniable health benefits.
“Current national guidance states that people should not consume more than 14 units of alcohol three days a week.”