Oncology

Alcohol Consumption and GI Cancer Risk: Key Insights

admin Aug 21, 2024

Alcoholic beverages rank among the most important products of the global addiction demand. Alcohol drinking frequently poses a severe issue in emerging nations like India because of the diverse socio-cultural traditions that exist there. The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that alcohol drinking causes more than 200 diseases, including suicide and accidents. Alcohol kills 2.6 lakh Indians annually, either directly or indirectly, through liver cirrhosis, cancer, or accidents on the roads.

The most frequent alcohol-attributable fractions for specific causes of death are esophageal cancer, pancreatitis, and liver cirrhosis.

In this blog, let's first understand alcohol-mediated carcinogenesis and, further, alcohol's impact on the digestive system and how moderation is the key:

Alcohol mediated carcinogenesis

When a person drinks alcohol, their body processes it into a substance known as acetaldehyde. This acetaldehyde is dangerous because it damages the DNA in a person's cells, makes it harder for their cells to repair themselves, and can shorten the protective caps on their DNA strands called telomeres. Alcohol also leads to the production of harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause further damage to a person's cells and increase the likelihood of genetic changes that can lead to cancer.

Furthermore, alcohol can impact the balance of good and bad bacteria in a person's gut (microbiome), which is linked to an increased risk of cancer in the digestive system.

Effect of Alcohol on the Digestive System

Alcohol is metabolized primarily in the liver, but it impacts the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the moment it is ingested. Upon entering the body, alcohol comes into direct contact with the lining of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Esophagus

Chronic alcohol consumption can irritate the esophageal mucosa, leading to inflammation and cellular damage. Chronic irritation can also contribute to the development of conditions such as Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition that increases the chances of esophagus cancer.

Stomach

Alcohol can increase the production of gastric acid in the tummy, which may lead to conditions such as gastritis as well as ulcers. Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, coupled with alcohol's direct toxic effects, can contribute to the development of gastric cancer over period of time.

Liver

It plays a key role in metabolizing alcohol. When alcohol is broken down in the liver, it produces harmful by-products like acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Chronic alcohol consumption leads to liver inflammation, fatty liver disease, and, ultimately, cirrhosis, all of which raise the chances of liver cancer.

Pancreas

Alcohol causes inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Chronic/Long-term inflammation in the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis) is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Additionally, alcohol consumption may impair pancreatic function, leading to abnormalities in insulin secretion and nutrient metabolism that can contribute to pancreatic cancer development.

Colon

Chronic alcohol consumption has been linked to alterations in the gut microbiota, raised intestinal permeability (leaky gut), as well as inflammation in the colon. These alterations can promote the growth of potentially harmful bacteria and increase the chances of colorectal cancer, though the risk is not well documented.

Moderation and Risk Reduction

Although the connection between alcohol ingestion and GI cancer risk is well-established, moderation is the key. For those who choose to drink alcohol, limiting intake to moderate levels can help reduce (not eliminate) the increased risks. Recent studies have depicted even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of cancer. Knowledge about alternatives to alcohol for social drinking as well as relaxation can be aiding those who are interested in reducing their alcohol consumption or exploring healthier options.

Wave of AI Innovation in India

The launch of Artificial Intelligence (AI) improves the detection of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The 'CAD EYE system' employs innovative AI algorithms and real-world data to assist in recognizing and characterizing suspected lesions during colonoscopies. This system excels in detecting early gastric flat lesions in gastrointestinal endoscopy, addressing a critical requirement in a region burdened by rising esophageal, stomach, liver as well as colorectal cancers.

In a nutshell, alcohol intake is a crucial risk factor for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers that may be controlled. The risk of cancer increases with the quantity as well as duration of drinking. Did you know? Even occasional drinking can raise the chances of cancer; 100 g /less per week is currently thought to be the upper limit for low-risk intake.

Alcohol is causally associated with colorectal cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, and most probably also, pancreatic cancer, when coupled with tobacco usage or being obese.

The recent rises in the burden of early-onset gastrointestinal cancers in several nations may have been influenced by alcohol use. It is essential to encourage those who utilise alcohol in a harmful way to participate in cancer screening programs. Eliminating alcohol intake seems to be effective in decreasing the elevated cancer risk that alcohol causes.