Quitting or Reducing Alcohol Can Decrease Risk of Certain Cancers—Study

When it comes to preventing cancer, there are no scientifically established safe amounts of alcohol you can drink.

gresei/Shutterstock

While the health risks of alcohol are well-documented, a recent report concluded that the reduction or cessation of drinking alcoholic beverages can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing oral and esophageal cancer.

The report, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, was compiled by nineteen medical experts from eight different countries around the world. The extensive review of 91 research studies found sufficient evidence that decreasing or eliminating alcohol from one’s diet reduces the risk of developing oral or esophageal cancer. The panel also discovered limited evidence regarding alcohol intake for laryngeal and colorectal cancers.

Review Findings Explained

The researchers also determined that the longer a person stopped drinking alcohol, the lower their risk of developing certain cancers. The study did not establish whether a minimum amount of alcohol is considered acceptable or safe in regard to cancer risk.