Prostate cancer is a disease that occurs primarily in older men. It affects the prostate gland, which is a gland that is found in the male reproductive system. There are several factors that increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, including genetics and exposure to certain chemicals. New evidence has shown that drinking can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Links to Alcohol and Cancer
According to the World Health Organization, a patient who drinks alcohol increases their risk for developing most types of cancer. Evidence shows that the risk is present even when the patient does not drink enough to get drunk. Patients who drink just a little alcohol, but drink consistently over time still seem to be at risk of developing cancer.
How Does Alcohol Cause Cancer?
There are plenty of theories as to why alcohol causes cancer. Some studies suggest that the human body converts alcohol into a toxic chemical. This chemical is what causes the painful hangover sensation. In the human body, this chemical can also damage the DNA and prevent the cells from repairing themselves, thereby causing cancer. Alcohol can also decrease the amount of folate in the body and increase levels of testosterone, oestrogen and other hormones, all factors that increase the risk of cancer.
Links to Alcohol and Prostate Cancer
Most recently, scientists have found a specific link between drinking alcohol and an increased risk for developing prostate cancer. A study conducted by scientists from North America and Australia seems to indicate that men who drink just two drinks a day increase their risk for developing prostate cancer by 20 percent. The scientists also say that the risk increases the more that patients consume alcohol.
Not All Alcohol Is Created Equal
While alcohol has been linked to an increase in prostate cancer, some scientists say that not all alcohol is completely bad. A separate study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle seemed to indicate that patients who drink red wine may be at a lower risk for prostate cancer, while patients who consume beer increase their risk. The study suggests that red wine contains antioxidants which are known to help fight cancer-causing agents. However, other studies seem to dispute this finding.
The Link Between Drinking and Smoking
Scientists also caution that the risk of cancer increases because many people who drink also smoke. It is an accepted fact that smoking can cause cancer. But what is only recently known is that drinking increases the body's tendency to absorb harmful, cancer-causing agents that a patient is exposed to by smoking.
Tags: risk developing, developing prostate, developing prostate cancer, increase risk, prostate cancer, risk developing prostate