You may want to put down that wine glass…at least until you finish reading this article.
Alcohol is linked to certain type of cancers! According to an article posted on The American Cancer Society, “The more alcohol a person consumes, the higher their risk of developing some forms of cancer.” Who knew alcohol was actually bad for you? I mean, really, really bad for you.
It turns out, scientists aren’t really sure how exactly alcohol causes cancer. And the news just keeps getting worse! Alcohol can cause cancer but we have no idea why or how? The article gives us a few possibilities, but nothing incredibly concrete. “It could be that alcohol itself causes cancer by increasing hormone levels, or it may be carcinogenic because of the way it’s metabolized, which can make cells more vulnerable to other carcinogens, like tobacco.”
I know what you’re thinking. Only those who drink heavily are at risk for cancer. Surprisingly, that isn’t the case!
Don’t get me wrong, those who drink more heavily definitely have a higher risk. But, everyone who drinks is at risk for at least these types of cancer: “oral, laryngeal, liver, colon, rectum, pancreatic, and possibly breast cancer.” Even if you’re a person who only drinks ever so often. Celebrating a birthday, ringing in the new year, at a party for the weekend; you’re still more at risk for cancer than those who don’t drink at all. But what are you going to do? Avoid alcohol at all cause? Not likely.
Luckily, The American Cancer Society provided us with advice on how to drink and hopefully avoid our chances of getting cancer. “If alcohol is consumed, men should have no more than 2 drinks per day, and women should have no more than 1.” Why do guys just get all the fun? Kidding! I say don’t drink, but if you’re going to do it, make sure you’re smart about it! A.K.A. Drink water!
