I Drink Alcohol Heavily β Am I at Risk for Head and Neck Cancer?
Many people enjoy alcohol, but heavy drinking has known health risks. Here is how it relates to head and neck cancer.
Yes, heavy alcohol use increases the risk of several types of head and neck cancer, including cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, and esophagus.
- Heavy drinkers are 2 to 6 times more likely to develop oral and throat cancer compared to non-drinkers
- The risk increases with the amount and duration of drinking
- Alcohol and tobacco together are especially dangerous β the combination multiplies the risk 15 to 40 times
- Even binge drinking (5+ drinks in a session for men, 4+ for women) can increase risk
There is some evidence that even moderate drinking may slightly increase risk for certain cancers. Current guidelines define heavy drinking as more than 3 drinks per day or 7 per week for women, and more than 4 per day or 14 per week for men.
Why Alcohol Increases Risk
- Alcohol can:
- Act as a solvent, making it easier for cancer-causing substances (like tobacco chemicals) to enter the cells of the mouth and throat
- Be metabolized into acetaldehyde, a chemical that damages DNA
- Cause nutritional deficiencies that weaken the body's ability to repair cells
- Suppress the immune system
What To Watch For
- If you drink heavily, watch for:
- Any sore in the mouth that does not heal in 2 weeks
- White or red patches in the mouth
- A lump in the neck
- Hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
What You Can Do
- Reduce alcohol intake β cutting back lowers your risk over time
- Quit tobacco if you smoke β the combined effect of alcohol and tobacco is much more dangerous than either alone
- Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition
- Get regular dental checkups β your dentist can screen for oral cancer
- Perform monthly self-exams