Recently, I became aware that some researchers felt there was a link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer. Over the years I had wondered about this. I noticed in news reports that some celebrities who were reputed to be heavy drinkers needed liver transplants because of liver cancer. Unfortunately, I have known several people who developed pancreatic cancer who I suspected drank frequently and heavily. These people were quite obese and, I think, liked their beer too much. I decided to look into this.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a posting on their website entitled “Alcohol and Cancer.” Much of the information in this article comes from there. The conclusions are as follows: 1) You can lower your risk for cancer by drinking less alcohol or not drinking at all; 2) All alcoholic drinks, including red and white wine, beer, and liquor, are linked with cancer. Cancers listed are mouth and throat; voice box (larynx); esophagus; colon and rectum; liver; breast (in women); stomach and pancreas.
How does alcohol consumption raise the cancer risk?
Alcohol is broken down in the body into a chemical, acetaldehyde, which damages your DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA is the “cell’s instruction manual,” which controls how a cell grows and functions. When it is damaged, this can lead to uncontrolled cell growth which is cancer. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has an article on its website which discusses — in great detail — the increased risk with each type of cancer. It points out that there is no proven health benefit from drinking red wine. About 20,000 adult deaths per year are from alcohol-related cancers.
What should a person do? In our society it is unlikely that everyone will stop drinking or do they need to. Less is better. An occasional beer, glass of wine or mixed drink will probably increase the risk very little or not at all. The key is not too much and not often. The current guideline is two (2) drinks or less per day for men, and one or less for women.
I thought many of my fellow aviators may not have been aware of this connection between alcohol and cancer, and I would pass this information on to you for your consideration.
Of course, just as drinking and driving don’t mix, neither does drinking and flying.
Safe Flying!
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this column is the expressed opinion of the author only, and readers are advised to seek the advice of others, including their own AME, and refer to the Federal Aviation Regulations and FAA Aeronautical Information Manual for additional information and clarification.
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