Heavy drinking has already been proven to be damaging to health. However, a recent study has found that even low alcohol intake can have a negative effect on the body, both in males and females.The study, which was conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Brigham and Women's Hospital and published by the British Medical Journal, looked at the rate at which people developed cancer. It analysed data that was taken from two U.S. studies which tracked more than 135,000 people from the 1980s to 2010.Even when other risk factors (such as weight, smoking habits and family history of cancer) are taken into account, the researchers found out that light to moderate consumption of alcohol can lead to a higher cancer risk. Light to moderate drinking is defined as one drink a day (or less than 15 grams of alcohol) for women and two drinks a day (or less than 30 grams of alcohol) for men.Specifically, the study discovered a link between cancer and light alcohol consumption among men who smoke or have smoked in the past. However, the link does not exist for men who are non-smokers.The case is different for women. According to the study, there is a higher risk for alcohol-related cancers among women who down even just one alcoholic drink per day, whether they smoked or not. The researchers noted that this increased risk in females usually manifests in breast cancer, probably because breast tissue has more oestrogen and androgen and is therefore more affected by alcohol compared to other organs.While the study points out that the increased risk in alcohol-related cancers is "small and non-significant", physicians and scientists warn people not to take the results lightly especially now that the link between alcohol and cancers has become stronger. But this is easier said than done; those who are already addicted to alcohol and have incorporated it into their daily routine might find it hard to quit drinking or even have trouble just minimising their consumption.Fortunately, this is where we come in. Here at Providence Projects, we have been providing professional alcohol rehab services since 1996 and have helped numerous people conquer their addiction. With our help, our clients can reduce and ultimately eliminate their dependence on alcohol and receive medical and emotional support to live their lives to the fullest.Thumb: Main Image:
