Alcohol and Cancer: Epidemiology and Biological Mechanisms
A group of french authors studied in detail the carcinogenic properties of alcohol and its metabolites. About 4% of the oesophagus, liver, and breast cancers globally are related to alcohol consumption. The article reflects a dose-response relationship for the risk of cancer at different sites. The attention is also given to mechanisms of alcohol-driven carcinogenesis. After consumption, alcohol is metabolized by enzymes producing acetaldehyde. It alters DNA physical shape and blocks its synthesis and repair. Chronic alcohol use initiates inflammation which is a key pathway to cancer progression at different sites. Other pathways explaining the carcinogenic effects of alcohol include decreased function of the immune system, dysbiosis and altered metabolism. As such, this information can be used to develop prevention strategies and improve cancer therapy. All the details available by the link.