Princess of Wales revealed that she has been avoiding alcohol since her cancer diagnosis. William and Kate were recently invited to a beer and cider tasting at Fabal Beerhall, but the princess, who is in remission, asked if they offered a non-alcoholic option. William tasted both lager and cider, while Kate did not, while she stated that she is more aware of her alcohol consumption after the diagnosis, informs the website.
“She said something to the effect that it was best for her to avoid alcohol since her diagnosis,” said Beerhall founder Hannah Rhodes when Kate was asked if she drank beer. Recent research has linked alcohol to cancer, with studies showing that up to 40 percent of all cancers are related to risks that people can reduce or completely eliminate.
Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University Justin Stebbing said that six types of cancer are associated with alcohol consumption – head and neck, esophagus, liver, breast, colon and stomach. “The statistics are startling. In 2019, more than one in 20 diagnosed cancers in the West were attributed to alcohol, and this proportion is increasing. This fact challenges the widespread view that alcohol is a harmless social drink,” he explained.
According to him, there may be a link between regular alcohol consumption and an increase in some types of cancer in young people. “When we drink alcohol, our body breaks it down into acetaldehyde, a substance that can damage DNA, the basic blueprint of our cells. This means that alcohol can change our DNA and cause mutations that can lead to cancer.” stated.
He added that alcohol can also impair the absorption of nutrients and vitamins, alter hormone levels and facilitate the penetration of harmful substances into cells. in the mouth and throat, as well as affecting the intestinal microflora. Andrew Kunzmann of Queen’s University Belfast pointed out that while some earlier studies suggested longer lives in people who drink small to moderate amounts of alcohol, cancer research suggests otherwise. “Even low to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of cancer,” he said.
According to the National Cancer Institute, alcohol is recommended to be avoided or greatly limited during cancer treatment because it can worsen side effects. such as dehydration and fatigue, and negatively affect the effectiveness of the treatment. Alcohol is a known carcinogen and its consumption can increase the risk of the disease returning.
At the same time, the Cancer Research UK organization recommends consulting a doctor about drinking alcohol, as it can worsen the side effects of treatment and weaken the immune system. No one type of alcohol is safer than another because they all contain ethanol, which is carcinogenic.
