A new study has found that a significant portion of Americans diagnosed with cancer continue to drink alcohol regularly, including during treatment. The study, which included over 15,000 cancer survivors, revealed that 78% of them were current drinkers, with many engaging in risky drinking behaviors such as binge drinking. This is concerning because alcohol consumption is known to increase the risk of certain cancers, and it may also interfere with the effectiveness of cancer treatments or increase the likelihood of side effects.
The senior researcher of the study, Yin Cao, expressed surprise at the high prevalence of risky drinking behaviors among cancer survivors. While there is still much to learn about the long-term effects of drinking on cancer survivors' health, there are already clear guidelines recommending that everyone, including cancer survivors, limit their alcohol intake for various health reasons. The American Cancer Society (ACS) specifically states that alcohol use is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cancer.
Dr. Farhad Islami, senior scientific director of cancer disparity research at the ACS, emphasized that the best course of action is to not drink at all. However, if individuals choose to drink, they should adhere to the recommended limits of no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Drinking alcohol has been linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast, colon, and liver cancers, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and larynx. Cancer survivors should limit their alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of developing a second cancer associated with drinking.
While limited research is available on whether alcohol fuels the recurrence of the original cancer, studies suggest that drinking may shorten the lives of people who survive certain cancers, such as those of the liver, mouth, or throat. Additionally, alcohol use during cancer treatment can potentially worsen outcomes after certain surgeries and may affect the breakdown of cancer drugs in the liver, potentially increasing side effects.
The study's findings underscore the need for healthcare providers to inquire about their cancer patients' drinking habits and provide appropriate advice. It is hoped that these findings will raise awareness among healthcare providers and prompt discussions about alcohol consumption in the context of cancer diagnosis and treatment.