Chronic alcohol consumption raises cancer risk’: Symptoms and related health concerns explained

The adverse effects of alcohol on human health have been in public attention following the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy's advisory warning which reveals that alcohol consumption might be linked to multiple cancers. The harmful health effects of alcohol get amplified in long-term consumers of older age.

In an interview with Fox Digital Media, Dr. Fredrick Davis, associate chair of emergency medicine at Northwell Health in Long Island, New York, said, “With age both our lean body mass and water percentage in our body reduces. This reduces the body's capacity to metabolize alcohol at the same rate as compared to when we were young. Thus a reduced amount of alcohol can also cause severe harm.”

Healthcare experts also warn that older drinkers are more prone to alcohol’s effect on coordination, reaction time, and memory.

Increases health risk.

According to Dr. Francis Lee, an associate at Mount Sinai Health Systems in New York City, “Alcohol consumers have increased risk of developing multiple cancers.”

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Inflammation and insomnia.

According to the same study in the journal Alcohol, overconsumption can increase age-related changes, like systemic inflammation and insomnia. Inflammation is caused due to a process initiated in the guts.

Research has revealed that insomnia might worsen in long-term drinkers. Although alcohol initially has sedative effects, it wears off and can cause insomnia afterward.

Insufficient nutrition

Laura Feldman, a registered dietician and assistant professor at Long Island University, Brookville, New York, states in her interview with Fox News Digital, “As we age, the body requires more vitamins & minerals. Alcohol consumption, when done in larger quantities over some time, disrupts the body's ability to absorb essential nutrients.”

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Deterioration of existing conditions

Experts have revealed that Alcohol might worsen the progression of chronic conditions and interfere with medication, potentially amplifying the chances of drug-induced liver damage. Combining medication with alcohol can also be fatal, reveals Dr. Lee in an interview with Fox Digital News.

FAQs

Q1. Can alcohol consumption lead to cancer?
US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's advisory warning reveals that cancer might be linked to multiple cancers. Experts have warned about the adverse effects of alcohol in older consumers.

Q2. How can I reduce my alcohol consumption?
In an interview with Fox Digital News, Dr. Francis Lee suggests that engaging in different activities that are not related to alcohol and seeking professional help can be beneficial in quitting alcohol.