Alcohol and the heart
	Alcohol and cancer
	Women and Alcohol
	Alcohol and diabetes
	Drinking as you get older?
	Alcohol and it's effects
	Alcohol and allergies
What the Doctor says

We know that heavy drinking is implicated in several cancers, notably of the throat, larynx, liver and upper digestive tract, but for moderate drinkers recent research is encouraging:

The American Cancer Society reported findings in 1998 that there was a reduction in cancer mortality rates of 20% amongst those who drank one to two drinks a day, when compared with non-drinkers. These results were echoed by Dr Serge Reynaud in 1998, who published similar results for men drinking 2-3 drinks (8g) a day. Dr Reynaud found that at consumption levels above that, risk of cancer increases significantly.

The Canadian Cancer Society states 'Research shows that 30 to 35% of all cancers can be prevented by eating well, being active and maintaining a healthy body weight.The key to eating well and maintaining a healthy weight is to focus on what you add to your life, not what you take away. It's easier to add healthy foods each day rather than take away foods that you enjoy'. The society recommends limiting your consumption to one standard drink a day for women and two for men. For more information visit: www.cancer.ca

Breast cancer
There is some evidence that even at moderate levels of alcohol consumption that there may be an increased risk of breast cancer. Contact you physician for further advice.

How can moderate alcohol consumption help?
The same antioxidants present in wine, beers and ciders that help protect against heart disease also play roles in reducing cancer risk.

Antioxidants?
It is thought that resveratrol, an antioxidant found in high levels in red wines, inhibits the progression of malignancy. Quercetin another antioxidant (found in beer and wine, plus in shallots, garlic and onions) is believed to reduce the risk of stomach cancer, leukemia and ovarian cancer. The basis of the protection is the inhibition of oxidation, which is a cause of the initiation and progression of tumours

In short, antioxidants may protect against cancer by:

• shielding DNA from oxidative damage
• inducing enzymes that protect against malignant mutation
• promoting normal cell differentiation and maturation
• inhibiting the growth of cancer cells
• enhancing the effects of chemotherapy

It is important to emphasise that we are in the early days of understanding these mechanisms, the evidence we have is far from complete or proven. Cancer causation and protection are complex subjects and further research is needed. Please contact your Family Physician for specific advice.

If you are concerned about your risks of cancer, or if you are suffering from cancer, please visit:
Canadian cancer society www.cancer.ca
www.cancercare.on.ca
www.ontario.cancer.ca