The News:
Even light drinking bad idea, studies say
Evidence is growing that shows moderate alcohol use poses a serious cancer threat.
By Judy Peres Chicago Tribune
Article Last Updated: 10/21/2007 12:19:42 AM MDT
CHICAGO — You eat veggies, you exercise, you gave up cigarettes and you have a glass of red wine every day, all because you care about your health.
But one of these things is not like the others.
While your attention has been elsewhere, scientists have amassed persuasive evidence that drinking alcohol - any form of alcohol, even in moderate amounts - can pose a serious threat to your health.
Researchers have known for nearly 20 years that drinking alcoholic beverages can cause cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus and liver.
But those diseases don't get much publicity. This year, the International Agency for Research on Cancer added breast and colon cancer - two of the four major killer cancers - to the list of malignancies known to be fostered by alcohol.
The risk is "dose dependent," meaning the more you drink, the higher the risk.
According to comprehensive reviews of the scientific evidence, people who average just over one drink a day increase their chances of developing colon cancer by about 15 percent. For those who consume about four drinks daily, the risk is 40 percent higher.
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the International Journal of Cancer.
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