How Alcohol Can be a Cause of cancer?

Cancer is a very common problem in this era. Most of the people are suffering from cancer because of poor diet plans and unhygienic lifestyle. Consumption of alcohol can be responsible for the growth of cancer. Alcohol causes 7 different types of cancers. Alcohol is the reason that damages the body parts, and in the case of cancer, the type of alcohol does not matter. 

How does alcohol cause cancer? 

Alcohol causes cancer in different ways. 

• Damage to cells: Too much consumption of alcohol can release acetaldehyde, a chemical named. Acetaldehyde can damage the cells and also stop the repairing of damaging cells. 
• Changes to hormones: Alcohol increases the levels of hormones in our bodies, such as estrogen and insulin. Hormones are chemical messengers, and higher levels of estrogen and insulin can make cells divide more often. This increases the chance that cancer develops.
• Changes to cells in the mouth and throat: Alcohol makes it easier for cells in the mouth and throat to absorb harmful chemicals that cause damage. For the treatment of cancer visit the best Cancer Hospital in Ludhiana.  

The consumption of alcohol causes different types of cancers. 

Intake of alcohol can be the reason for many cancers.

• Breast cancer 
• Bowel cancer
• Mouth cancer
• Oesophagus cancer 
• Upper Throat cancer
• Larynx cancer
• Liver cancer

Definition of these cancers. 

Breast cancer: The cancer forms in the cells of the breast. It occurs in men and women, but breast cancer is more common in females. It starts in the milk glands and may spread to the different parts of the body if not detected and treated early. 

Bowel cancer: It is also known as colorectal cancer originating in the colon or rectum. It usually begins as small growths called polyps, which can become cancerous over time. 

Mouth Cancer: Mouth cancer, or oral cancer affects several parts of the mouth, cheeks, and throat. Tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus infection are common risk factors.

Oesophagus Cancer: Oesophageal cancer occurs in the lining of the esophagus. It is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Risk factors are tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, and conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Upper Throat Cancer: Upper throat cancer typically refers to cancers affecting the nasopharynx and oropharynx, including the tonsils and base of the tongue. 

Larynx Cancer: Laryngeal cancer affects the larynx, commonly known as the voice box. Risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use. 

Liver Cancer: Liver cancer, often hepatocellular carcinoma, originates in the liver cells. Chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C infection, and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk. 

Symptoms for alcohol cancers. 

Breast cancer

• Lumps in the breast.
• Change in shape and size of the breast. 
• Nipple discharge.

Bowel cancer

• Blood in stool
• Abdominal discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss

Mouth cancer

• Mouth sores.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Changes in the appearance of the mouth tissues.

Oesophagus cancer

• Difficult swallowing.
• Chest pain.
• Weight loss. 

Upper Throat Cancer

• Swallowing difficulty.
• Sore throat
• Change in voice. 

Larynx cancer

• Hoarseness 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Persistent coughing 

Liver cancer 

• Abdominal pain 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Jaundice

Treatment of cancers caused by alcohol use 

Breast Cancer

• Surgery: Removal of the tumor, either through lumpectomy 
• Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Medications to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells, often used after surgery.
• Hormone Therapy: In cases where the cancer is hormone receptor-positive, medications are used to block hormones that fuel the cancer’s growth.

Bowel Cancer

• Surgery: Removal of the tumor and affected lymph nodes.
• Chemotherapy: Used to kill remaining cancer cells or shrink tumors before surgery.
• Radiation Therapy: used in combination with chemotherapy, especially for rectal cancer.
• Immunotherapy: Stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells.

Mouth Cancer 

• Surgery: Removal of the tumor, possibly with reconstruction of the affected area.
• Radiation Therapy: beneficial to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Chemotherapy: Sometimes used in combination with radiation or surgery.

Oesophagus Cancer

• Surgery: Removal of the tumor and affected lymph nodes.
• Chemotherapy: Often used before surgery to shrink tumors.
• Radiation Therapy: used in combination with chemotherapy.

Upper Throat Cancer

• Radiation Therapy: Often the primary treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Used in conjunction with radiation or as the main treatment for oropharyngeal cancer.
• Surgery: In some cases, especially for oropharyngeal cancer.

Larynx Cancer:

• Surgery: Removal of the tumor, possibly followed by reconstructive surgery.
• Radiation Therapy: Used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
• Chemotherapy: Often used for advanced-stage cancers.

Liver Cancer 

• Surgery: In some cases, a liver transplant or removal of the tumor may be an option.
• Chemoembolization: Delivering chemotherapy directly to the tumor.
• Targeted Therapy: Medications targeting specific molecules involved in cancer growth.

Nowadays, cancer is very common. If you are suffering from cancer, you should visit Dr Bindra’s Super Speciality Clinics, and consult with the best Cancer doctor in Punjab.