Some of us drink because it can be fun! However, we often underestimate the long-term effects on our health.

Alcohol is a carcinogen, which means it causes cancer in humans.

Is estimated that about 3,500 Australians in 2013 developed cancer due to drinking alcohol[1].

Knowing the risks of drinking alcohol will help you make informed choices around your drinking habits.

There is no completely safe level of alcohol-use in relation to cancer development.

This goes for any type of alcohol consumed.

The less you drink, the lower your risk of cancer.

 

How does alcohol cause cancer?

Research shows a clear link between drinking alcohol and an increased risk of cancers[2].

Here’s how it happens:

Alcohol Metabolism:

When the body breaks down alcohol, it produces a toxic chemical called acetaldehyde, which can damage DNA and cause mutations that cause cancer.

Long-term drinking further weakens the immune system’s ability to detect and eliminate cancer cells, allowing tumours to develop.

Oxidative Stress:

When alcohol is broken down by the body, it produces:

• Free Radicals (unstable molecules) and,
• Reactive oxygen species (highly reactive molecules)

These molecules can cause oxidative stress in the body[3]. Think of them as tiny ‘troublemakers’.

Oxidative stress can damage cells which can lead to cancer.

Nutritional Deficiencies:

Heavy drinking (drinking over recommended guidelines) can lead to deficiencies in vital nutrients, such as vitamin B9 (folate)[4], which is crucial for DNA repair. DNA damage can lead to a higher risk of cancer.

Carcinogen Activation:

Alcohol can activate other cancer-causing agents and raise the risk of cancer.

How does this happen?

For example, when drinking alcohol is combined with smoking, alcohol can make it easier for the harmful chemicals in tobacco to damage cells in the mouth, throat, and oesophagus, making these areas more vulnerable to cancer[5].

 

In the long-term, alcohol has a toxic effect on cells, tissues, and organs. This can result in inflammation and damage of tissues in different areas of the body, raising the risk of cancer development.

 

What cancers does alcohol cause?

(Image: Cancer Institute NSW)

Alcohol can do damage to various parts of the body and causes 8 different types of cancer including:

 

Mouth, upper throat, and larynx cancer

Alcohol can cause irritation and inflammation in these areas, causing damage over time.

As mentioned, alcohol can cause the chemicals in tobacco smoke to penetrate the tissues of the mouth and throat where alcohol and tobacco come into direct contact.

Alcohol and tobacco independently can cause cancer development in these areas, but when combined, the risk increases.

 

Oesophageal Cancer

Excessive drinking can lead to acid reflux. Frequent acid reflux can damage the lining of the oesophagus and is a risk factor for oesophageal cancer.

 

Breast/chest cancer

Alcohol can increase levels of the hormone oestrogen, which promotes cell growth of breast tissue. What this got to do with cancer?

Higher levels of oestrogen in the body can also encourage the growth of certain cancer cells in the breasts.

Alcohol is a major preventable risk factor for breast cancer. Studies indicate that women who consume alcohol regularly have a higher risk of developing breast cancer[6].

Small amounts of alcohol can increase this risk, with research suggesting that the more someone drinks the greater their risk.

 

Stomach cancer

Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and its protective barriers, damaging cells and increasing the risk of stomach cancer.

Stomach irritation and inflammation can also increase risk of infection from H. pylori which also contributes to stomach cancer.

Liver cancer

Most alcohol is broken down by enzymes in the liver and can cause direct damage to the liver. Frequent and drinking over recommended guidelines is a leading cause of liver disease and liver cancer risk.

Long-term frequent consumption can damage liver cells and disrupt with the liver’s regular functions. This damage can result in cirrhosis, where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, making the liver more vulnerable to cancerous changes[7].

 

Bowel cancer (colon and rectal cancer)

Excessive drinking can alter the gut microbiome and cause inflammation in the digestive tract, raising the risk of colorectal cancer[8].

 

The Australian Alcohol Guidelines – your guide to minimising alcohol harm

It’s important to minimise the risk of alcohol-related harm and diseases.

A great way to minimise alcohol-related risk is to follow the Australian Alcohol Guidelines!

For healthy adults, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommend:

• No more than 10 standard drinks a per week
• No more than 4 standard drinks on any one day
• The less you drink, the lower your risk of harm from alcohol

Persons who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol. For persons who are breastfeeding, abstain from alcohol for the safety of the baby.

Furthermore, persons under 18 years of age should not drink alcohol.

(Image: National Medical and Research Council)

It’s important to note that drinking within the guidelines still causes some risk of cancer.

For example[9], it has been shown that Australians who drink 7 standard drinks per week have a 22% higher risk of liver and oesophageal cancer, an 18% higher risk of mouth, pharynx and larynx cancer, an 11% higher risk of breast cancer, and a 9% higher risk of bowel cancer.

The less you drink, the lower your risk!

For more info on counting standard drinks, check out our easy guide to following the guidelines.

 

How much alcohol do we actually drink?

It’s particularly important for our LGBTQ communities are aware of this information as LGBTQ+ people are more likely to exceed the alcohol guidelines, leading to a higher alcohol-related cancer risk.

(Image: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)

 

According to the UNSW National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre’s report on alcohol-related behaviours in the New South Wales LGBTQ+ community, LGBTQ+ participants reported the following behaviours in 2022:

(Image: UNSW National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre)

 

If you enjoy drinking, you can follow the Australian alcohol to reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases.

 

Should I rethink how I drink?

Now you know more about the health risks of drinking alcohol, it’s always a good idea to reflect on your current drinking habits.

Are you drinking more than the recommended limits? Consider the reasons behind your alcohol use and whether it aligns with your health goals.

Drinking is a big part of socialising in our communities. However, you can always choose to drink in moderation and adjust to a level of drinking that is lower in risk. Or you can choose to go sober.

Alcohol is one of the most preventable causes of cancer in Australia – and you can do something about that for yourself! You can maximise your enjoyment while minimising the risks, sounds like the best of both worlds to us!

Check out our blog on tips for drinking less alcohol at parties. We explore simple and creative strategies to cut back on drinking while having fun. These include:

• Finding drink alternatives
• Pacing your drinking
• Setting personal limits

 

Moderation is key, and you don’t have to drop alcohol entirely if you enjoy it! If you want to quit drinking altogether or cut down within the recommended guidelines, that’s your choice 😊

If you have concerns about your drinking habits, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional can be a helpful step toward better health.

 

You can check out these resources:

• This self-assessment tool.
• Talk to a counsellor, online or in-person.
• Check out detox and rehab programs, like Clean Slate Clinic.
• Try an app or digital tool like Hello Sunday Morning.
• ADIS Web Chat

Or contact the Alcohol Drug Information Service (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) on 1800 250 015.