Alcohol can raise the risk of cancer, specifically cancers of the head and neck, esophagus, liver, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Alcohol is broken down in our bodies into acetaldehyde, which is a toxic chemical. Alcoholic beverages may also contain some carcinogenic properties which is another reason that alcohol consumption has been associated with increased risk of cancer.
If you are an overall healthy individual and it has not been recommended that you should be avoiding alcohol, it is recommended that if alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation.
What is considered alcohol in moderation?
- One drink/day for women
- Up to two drinks/day for men
What is heavy alcohol drinking?
- 4 or more drinks on any day or 8 or more drinks per week for women
- 5 or more drinks on any day or 15 or more drinks per week for men
What is binge drinking?
- 4 or more drinks for women in one sitting (about 2 hours)
- 5 or more drinks for men in one sitting (about 2 hours)
What is one drink?
- 12 ounces of beer
- 8-9 ounces of malt liquor
- 5 ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces, or a “shot,” of 80-proof distilled spirits (liquor)
Research shows that those who drink alcohol regularly over time are at higher risk for developing an alcohol-associated cancer. Even those who are light drinkers (one drink per day) and also binge drinkers are at a higher risk for some cancers.
Develop Healthy Behaviors
At Behavioral Nutrition, we specialize in behavioral therapy to help individuals develop habits that lead to a healthier lifestyle. Our goal is to help our patients identify behaviors that negatively impact their health and find sustainable ways to improve. We analyze specific aspects of your mental and physical health to work with you to minimize unhealthy habits like binge drinking that can lead to larger health issues down the road. Patients who see a behavioral therapist are more likely to understand why a specific behavior is leading to binging and realize the benefits of practicing healthy behaviors.
Our behavioral therapy services are intended to give our patients the ability to live life in control. The first step to conquering an unhealthy habit like binge drinking is identifying behaviors that lead you to drink and finding alternatives that work for you. Get in touch with Behavioral Nutrition today to learn more about how behavioral therapy services can help you or someone you love develop habits that will lead to a healthier lifestyle.
