Hyderabad:Leading oncologists have highlighted the role that alcohol consumption plays in increasing the risk of various cancers like oral cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and liver and pancreatic cancer.
Just like Dr Vivek Murthy, Director Surgeon in the US, sounded an alarm for liquor bottles to carry warning signs of cancer, city-based doctors also support such warnings on alcohol bottles in India.
Dr Madhu Devarasetty, a senior consultant surgical oncologist, said that alcohol acts as both a direct and indirect contributor to cancer development, particularly in organs like the liver, pancreas, and even the breast under certain conditions.
“Alcohol consumption can cause changes in organs like the pancreas and liver, leading to chronic conditions such as pancreatitis and chronic liver disease. These conditions lay the groundwork for the development of cancers in the future,” explained Dr Devarasetty.
He also noted the “additive effect” of combining alcohol with smoking or other habits like chewing gutka or consuming paan (consumption of tobacco), which accelerates organ damage and increases the likelihood of cancer.
Although alcohol’s role in breast cancer is less prominent than its link to liver and pancreatic cancers, it is still recognised as a risk factor. Dr Devarasetty pointed out that alcohol-induced obesity and insulin resistance are contributing factors.
“Obesity caused by alcohol consumption indirectly increases the risk of breast and uterine cancers,” he said, adding that while cases of alcohol-related breast cancer are rare in clinical practice, the risk cannot be entirely dismissed.
Dr Madhu Narayana Basude, another oncologist from the city, echoed these concerns, stating that no amount of alcohol consumption is entirely safe.
“Research suggests that even minimal alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer. While some studies propose 60 ml daily as safe, it is difficult to establish a definitive safe limit,” he said.
Dr Basude further stressed that alcohol addiction weakens the immune system, leaving individuals more vulnerable to multiple cancers and other health issues such as liver cirrhosis and birth defects during pregnancy.
Both doctors advocated for stricter warnings on alcohol packaging, similar to those mandated for tobacco products. “The government has been proactive in raising awareness about the cancer risks of tobacco. It’s time for similar measures to be implemented for alcohol,” said Dr Devarasetty.
They emphasised that regular alcohol consumption, even in moderate amounts, poses a significant public health risk, and public health campaigns should address this growing concern.
