Drinking alcohol is linked to six types of cancer, experts say: ‘It’s toxic’

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Alcohol-Related Cancer

Introduction

Alcohol consumption has long been known to have detrimental effects on the body. Recent research highlights the potential harm it can cause, particularly in relation to cancer. According to the Cancer Progress Report 2024 from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), more than 5% of all cancer cases are caused by drinking alcohol. This article explores the impact of alcohol on cancer risk and emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Alcohol as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Cancer

Among the modifiable risk factors for cancer, alcohol ranks as the third biggest, behind obesity and cigarette smoking. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk for six different types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and stomach cancer. Research also suggests that alcohol intake at an early age can increase the risk of cancer later in life. Limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of developing alcohol-related cancers by 8% and the risk of all cancers by 4%.

Expert Warnings and Risks

Dr. Adam Scioli, an addiction psychiatrist at Caron Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania, warns of the risks associated with alcohol consumption. While there has been conflicting information about whether alcohol is harmful, it is now clear that alcohol ingestion is a modifiable risk factor for cancer. Around 75,000 Americans are diagnosed with alcohol-related cancers each year. The more someone drinks, both in terms of volume and frequency, the higher the risk. Alcohol is a toxin that impacts various organs, starting with the brain and extending to the colorectal system.

Defining “Safe” Alcohol Consumption

Moderate alcohol use is defined as one drink or less per day for women and two drinks or fewer per day for men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, even low levels of alcohol use, less than one drink per day, can raise the risk of certain cancers. Experts agree that there is no added health benefit to alcohol ingestion, and the line between safety and danger varies for each individual.

Public Awareness and the Need for Change

While risk factors like tobacco use are widely known, public awareness about the link between alcohol and cancer is still low. According to AACR data, 51% of Americans are not aware that alcohol increases cancer risk. This lack of awareness is concerning, especially considering the high number of Americans who meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder. To address this issue, public messaging campaigns and cancer-specific warning labels on alcoholic beverages should be implemented. Additionally, effective clinical strategies that reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption must be considered to reduce the burden of alcohol-related cancers.

Conclusion

Alcohol consumption is a significant modifiable risk factor for cancer. It is crucial to raise public awareness about the risks associated with alcohol and provide access to help for those who struggle to moderate their drinking or quit on their own. By addressing this issue in line with the SDGs, we can work towards reducing the burden of alcohol-related cancers and promoting healthier lifestyles.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to alcohol consumption.

2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
   • Indicator 12.3.1: Food loss index.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
   • Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula.

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13: Climate Action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
– Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
– Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The indicators are:
– Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to alcohol consumption.
– Indicator 12.3.1: Food loss index.
– Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nypost.com