There is evidence that there is a causal link for cancers to alcohol. There is no doubt that the more a person drinks the higher the risk. This study that I reviewed was rather alarming is it does discuss the fact that even light drinking doesn't contribute to cancer and the outcome was that it did. Now that is one piece of information we should all know. I was also unaware that "alcohol beverages can contain at least 15 carcinogenic compounds." Alcohol can increase estrogen levels and activity in growth factor receptors... in plain English- we should be listening.
Now we all have heard for years about smoking and cancer but I doubt that many have heard much about Alcohol and cancer. Yes I know you are thinking, they say it has a a good effect regarding your heart and they are talking a very low intake of alcohol and not excessive intake. I know that I have heard some people that are out saying that they can have that drink or two or more because it is good for your heart. The most important line in one of the articles states:" The evidence for the harmful effects of alcohol is stronger than the evidence for its beneficial effects.
Has your doctor asked you about alcohol use and its health risks? Did he/she ask how much you do drink? Everyone wants a guideline of how much and how often. I guess in my own simplistic way, if you have to ask, you better relook at what you are doing. There are many alcohol screening tools out there. It has even shown that this kind of discussion can affect behavior change and have positive effects in reducing alcohol intake.
Now comes, who has the responsibility of getting this info out there and how to help and monitor and that could be from a warning label to Taxation and Pricing and more. Again, it is everyone's responsibility to take care of themselves and not have to have big brother looking over your shoulder and enforcing things that we are ultimately responsible for.
Alcohol risks are not just related to cancer but many other health issues. We should talk about public awareness though and how to get the message out and sensible ways to reduce risk. Lower alcohol consumption leads to greater health and longevity. Now that is a goal and there are programs and interventions out there to help. We are aware that smoking is related to cancer and how many times when someone is diagnosed or dies do we ask if they were a smoker? Did you ever hear anyone ask a new diagnosed cancer if they are a drinker and how much?
Time to ponder what and where we go from here? I hope I spurred some interest and you too can do whatever you need to