Alcohol often plays a central role in our social lives, making it difficult to avoid. Public health experts say that abstaining from alcohol is the safest route, but alcohol’s cultural significance may keep you from cutting it out of your diet.
While social drinking might seem harmless, St. Gregory Recovery Center in Iowa can’t ignore the Surgeon General’s latest warning that alcohol consumption can put you at a greater risk of developing cancer. For women, the lifetime risk of alcohol-related cancer rises from 17% with one weekly drink to 22% with just two daily drinks. For men, the risk increases from 10% to 13%.
Keep reading to learn what this means for anyone enrolled in our Bayard-based residential addiction treatment program, and how understanding alcohol’s risks can be a life-saving decision.
Types of Cancer Heavy Drinking Can Trigger
The more you drink, the likelier you are to be diagnosed with cancer. But cancer comes in many forms—so how do you know what you might be dealing with? Well, research shows a close connection between alcohol and these seven specific types of cancer:
- Breast cancer: The probability of developing breast cancer can start to increase with less than just one drink a day.
- Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer can develop in your colon or your rectum. The chances of developing colorectal cancer may start to increase with three or more drinks a day.
- Esophageal cancer: Your esophagus runs from your throat to your stomach, and foods and liquids travel through it while you eat. Heavy drinking can trigger this type of cancer.
- Liver cancer: Your liver is your body’s largest organ, responsible for digestion, energy storage, and toxin removal. That’s why liver cancer can be so devastating. Heavy drinking can cause it to develop.
- Mouth cancer: Mouth cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. Your chances of developing oral cancer increase considerably if you drink heavily—although some research suggests drinking less than one drink a day can also do the trick. Smoking and drinking together puts you at an even greater risk.
- Throat and voice box cancers: Another type of head and neck cancer, throat cancer chances increases with heavy drinking and smoking. But, just like in the case of mouth cancer, even a little alcohol can cause trouble. Many doctors might consider voice box (larynx) cancer to be a type of throat cancer. Men who smoke and drink have the highest chances of developing voice box cancer.
If you want to lessen your chances of these painful cancers, look at your habits. Find ways to cut smoking and drinking. Even reducing how often you smoke or drink can help.
The Cancerous Consequences of Continuing to Drink
A recent study found that nearly 40% of cancer survivors engaged in hazardous drinking habits, despite their health battles. That same study polled people currently receiving cancer treatment. The majority of them drank heavily despite being so sick.
The bottom line: even drinking a few cocktails regularly decreases the effectiveness of cancer treatments, making you less likely to beat it. For people with a history of beating cancer, drinking may even increase the chance that the disease returns. Unfortunately, there is no safe level of alcohol—with or without the presence of cancer.
Find a Path to Recovery From Alcoholism in Bayard
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol dependence, the risks for cancer can soar with heavy drinking. But breaking free from heavy drinking is possible. At St. Gregory Recovery Center in Iowa, we offer a holistic approach to addiction treatment that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of substance abuse. Our services include:
- Medical detoxification: A safe and supervised detox can help you manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
- Behavioral therapies: Therapeutic techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can support you as you reshape harmful beliefs that lead to destructive behaviors.
- Holistic care: Yoga, meditation, and nutritional counseling can promote overall well-being as you heal from alcoholism with us.
Fight Alcoholism and Cancer in Iowa
Understanding the risks of alcohol is just the beginning. If you’re concerned about your drinking or that of a loved one, don’t wait for a health crisis to make a change. Our St. Gregory Recovery Center’s compassionate team is ready to guide you to lasting recovery.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you or a loved one overcome alcohol dependence and reduce the risk of alcohol-related cancers at the same time. A healthier future starts with one decision—take that step now.
