A new health report has revealed a troubling rise in alcohol-related cancer deaths in the United States, with the death toll nearly doubling over the past 30 years. Men and individuals over the age of 55 are the most affected, with approximately 70% of these deaths occurring in men. Medical experts warn that even moderate alcohol consumption increases cancer risk, particularly for liver cancer.
Dr. Darien Sutton, a medical correspondent, explains that alcohol is officially classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is proven to cause cancer. The body's processing of alcohol can lead to oxidative stress and hormonal disruption, both of which contribute to the development of abnormal cells — a key factor in cancer formation.
To reduce risk, the recommended limit is no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women. Importantly, drinking heavily on weekends after abstaining during the week does not reduce the overall risk. Other risk factors include obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. People are encouraged to manage their health actively, undergo screenings, and talk to doctors about prevention strategies.
Vocabulary:
• carcinogen (noun): a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue
• moderate (adj): average in amount or intensity, not extreme
• oxidative (adj): related to a chemical reaction involving oxygen
• disruption (noun): an interruption or disturbance of a normal process
• abnormal (adj): not typical, usual, or regular; not normal
• substance (noun): a particular kind of matter with uniform properties
• cholesterol (noun): a fatty substance in the blood, high levels of which can cause health problems
• diabetes (noun): a disease in which the body cannot control blood sugar levels properly
• obesity (noun): the condition of being very overweight
• guidelines (noun): general rules or principles to follow
• screened (verb): tested for a disease or condition
• compound (verb): to make something worse by adding to it
• disproportionately (adv): to an extent that is too large or too small in comparison
Source: Good Morning America