US Surgeon are Warning About the Harmful Effects of Drinking Alcohol

1. KNOW WHY US SURGEON GENERAL ARE SUGGESTING THINK BEFORE WE DRINK. DR SRISHTI MAHAJAN Alcohol Raises The Risk of Cancer Irrespective of the Type or level of consumption We all know that heavy drinking is dangerous to health. But many have raised exceptions physicians and scientists, that little drinking each day cardiovascular disease. As per the latest research, this notion has been challenged. US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy has released a new advisory stating the direct link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk. The main demand of the General is to highlight the cancer warning labels on Alcohol as done on smoking products. Let's look at where the biggest risks lie. including some can reduce How strong is the link between cancer and alcohol? According to the surgeon general's report, "Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the US, behind tobacco and obesity." Alcohol contributes to an estimated 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the US. WHO'S International Research on Cancer has also classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen. 1.9L Cases <2 drinks per day 1.5L Cases 4-6 drinks per day 2.1L Cases 2-4 drinks per day per day Agency for 1.9 L Cases 6+ drinks per day 7.4 lakh cancer cases globally were attributable to alcohol consumption in 2020 Dr. Srishti Mahajan

2. Seven Types of Cancers Has Been Linked To Alcohol While tobacco topped the list for directly causing the disease, on the other hand, alcohol on the same note opens up the body for a wider variety of cancers. Liver cancer cases in India are mostly linked to alcohol while on combined with Tobacco the risk expands up to the mouth, Larynx, and throat. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Mouth (Oral Cavity) Esophagus Breast (in women) Throat (Pharynx) Voice Box (Larynx) "Greater public health initiatives aimed at reducing both behaviours would be instrumental in lowering the incidences of these types of cancer," says Dr. Ankit Jain, senior consultant, medical oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals Alcohol is dangerous in Four Ways DR SRISHTI MAHAJAN Breakdown of acetaldehyde in Alcohol damages the DNA in numerous ways thus, increasing the risk of cancer. Alcohol causes oxidative stress which damages DNA, proteins, and cells and increases inflammation thus boosting the risk of cancer. Alcohol on consumption often changes the levels of multiple hormones including estrogen, which increases the risk of breast cancer Alcohol leads to greater absorption of carcinogens Why should India Worry? Being the world's most populous nation and having big numbers in terms of consumption, India too is at an alarming rate. Research published in The Lancet Oncology journal shows that alcohol has caused 62,100 new cancer cases in India alone in 2020 which shows approx 5% of total cancer cases. The rising prevalence of obesity which increases risk of fatty liver disease, coupled with alcohol and tobacco use, presents serious implications for public health in India," Dr Suhail Qureshi | ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR, MEDICAL ONCOLOGY, FORTIS How to decrease your risk? When You Should Put Fullstop? As per the studies found by the results of global, multi-decade studies referenced in the surgeon general's advisory one drink a day in any form can increase the risk by 10-40%. 4 out of 100 women can develop the risk of breast cancer if they consume two drinks per day The simplest answer is to cut off the alcohol completely. If you cannot do that, just try to reduce the amount. When you do, go for a small amount and do not smoke at the same time US advisory, Anuja Jaiswal. Dr. Srishti Mahajan SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA