The damage that alcohol abuse does to the liver does not stop at cirrhosis. A high percentage of liver cancer cases in the United States is linked to the excessive consumption of alcohol. Studies have found that alcoholic liver disease plays a key role in cancer development. If you are concerned about the state of your liver or a possible alcohol problem, be sure to talk to your doctor.
How Much Is Too Much?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, men can drink two drinks a day and women can drink one a day without experiencing any negative effects to their health. Regular consumption of higher amounts may increase the risk of medical disorders. Drinking more than five drinks in one sitting is considered binge drinking and can be particularly dangerous.
Alcohol and Liver Cancer
According to a study published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), excessive alcohol consumption is liked to up to 36 percent of liver cancer cases in the United States. The study points out that it is alcoholic cirrhosis that is the cause of the cancer. Of the patients studied by the NIAAA, 80 percent who had liver cancer also had cirrhosis.
Alcoholic Cirrhosis
The American Liver Foundation defines alcoholic cirrhosis as the permanent scarring of the liver tissue due to chronic alcohol abuse. This condition typically occurs up after 10 to 15 years of heavy drinking. In addition to contributing to the development of liver cancer, cirrhosis can also contribute to liver failure and death.
Preventing Liver Cancer
Since such a high percentage of liver cancer is linked to cirrhosis, it is important to limit your chances of getting the disorder. This may include the cessation of alcohol abuse and the detection of early stage liver disease, which can potentially be reversed before progressing to noncurable cirrhosis.
Talk to your Doctor
The American Liver Foundation suggests that you talk to your doctor about the prevention of liver disease. If you are concerned about your drinking or the state of your liver, your doctor will be able to provide information about treatment and potential help with an alcohol problem. On your visit, he may administer a blood test to determine the status of the organ.
Tags: liver cancer, alcohol abuse, liver disease, your doctor, Alcohol Liver, Alcohol Liver Cancer