It is well-established that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a myriad of physical health issues. According to experts, chronic alcohol abuse is associated with liver diseases such as cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fatty liver.
One of the most significant risks associated with alcohol is the development of dependency and addiction.
Moreover, alcohol weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Long-term alcohol use is also linked to cardiovascular problems, pancreatitis, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Emerging studies suggest that there is a strong link between alcohol consumption and the development of bowel cancer.
Dr Suman S. Karanth, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon told Financial Express.com that the link between alcohol consumption and bowel cancer is well-established.
“Regular and excessive alcohol intake has been identified as a risk factor for developing bowel cancer. The process involves alcohol being broken down in the body into harmful substances that can damage the cells lining the digestive tract. Additionally, alcohol may interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients, contributing to an increased risk. Individuals must be aware of their alcohol consumption and consider moderation to reduce the potential risk of developing bowel cancer. Regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle further contribute to overall colorectal health,” Dr. Karanth said.
Meanwhile, Dr Vinay Samuel Gaikwad, Director, Surgical Oncology (The Oncology Centre), CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram highlighted alcohol is a major contributor to bowel cancer because the alcohol goes directly into the intestinal bowel and is in direct contact with the lining mucosa of the intestine, stomach colon and rectum.
“So the toxic effects of ethanol or alcohol can directly influence the incidence or mutation of normal cells into cancer cells, especially when associated with smoking. So, a lethal combination is alcohol with cigarette smoking. When they are linked together, they increase the incidence of stomach cancer, small intestinal cancer, colon and rectal cancer. So, we have to be careful in the amount of alcohol that we take. If we take it in very small quantities, it has shown to be not as harmful, but we don’t know what the safe level of alcohol intake is. So, we cannot comment on what is the safe level of alcohol intake. So, we know that alcohol is definitely one of the contributing factors to the development of bowel cancers,” Dr. Gaikwad told Financial Express.com.