Drinking alcohol increases the risk of oral cancer

Recently an important study has presented worrying information for alcohol drinkers. This research conducted by Tata Memorial Center and other institutions has found that the risk of oral cancer in India increases significantly with alcohol consumption. According to the study, consuming just 9 grams of alcohol per day can increase the risk of oral cancer by almost 50 percent. This research has been published in BMJ Global Health Journal.

Can a peg cause mouth cancer?

The study compared 1803 oral cancer patients and 1903 healthy individuals from five centers between 2010 and 2021. The results showed that the risk of cancer among alcohol drinkers was 68 percent higher than among non-drinkers. Especially by consuming country liquor like Mahua, Toddy, Tharra or Apong, this risk increases by 87 percent. Consuming branded liquor such as beer, whiskey or wine was also found to increase the risk by 72 percent.

Warning for alcohol drinkers

Researchers say that the ethanol present in alcohol weakens the inner layer of the mouth, due to which other harmful elements can easily enter. The danger further increases due to the presence of poisonous elements like methanol and acetaldehyde in country liquor. The study also revealed that about 11.5 percent of oral cancer cases in India are alcohol-related, and in some states like Meghalaya, Assam and Madhya Pradesh this figure reaches 14 percent.

oral cancer cases

The most worrying fact is that the risk increases manifold by consuming alcohol and tobacco (like gutkha, khaini) together. Due to these two, 62 percent cases of oral cancer are being reported in the country. Oral cancer is the second most common cancer in India, with approximately 1.44 lakh new cases and more than 80 thousand deaths every year. Most cases occur in the inner lining of the cheeks and lips, and only 43 percent of patients survive more than five years after treatment.

Pay attention to symptoms

Experts recommend that to avoid oral cancer, one should stay away from both alcohol and tobacco. The research clearly states that there is no safe limit for alcohol – even small amounts increase the risk. If you consume alcohol, minimize it or quit altogether. Apart from this, if symptoms like sores, red spots or pain appear in the mouth, get checked by a doctor immediately. This study shows that alcohol not only damages the liver, but can also cause cancer in the mouth, throat and other organs.