People who stop drinking alcohol lower their colorectal and breast cancer risk

Accumulating evidence shows that people who cut out alcohol can reduce their risk of developing certain cancers, such as colon, breast, and esophageal cancer. JP Danko/Stocksy

Accumulating evidence shows that people who cut out alcohol can reduce their risk of developing some forms of cancer. Decreasing alcohol intake decreases the production of acetaldehyde in the body, which in turn, reduces the risk of certain cancers.

Researchers and experts agree that continuing abstaining from alcohol is the only way to see long-term, positive health effects. Growing evidence demonstrates the harmful effects of alcohol, including a heightened risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and liver disease.

According to a new perspective article from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), people who stop drinking alcohol can lower their risk of developing certain cancers.

The reduced cancer risk included: oral cancer larynx cancer esophageal cancer colorectal cancer female breast cancer

Does giving up alcohol reduce cancer risk?

Researchers examined data from over 90 studies about cancers caused by alcohol and stopping alcohol consumption. They discovered that cessation does decrease the risk of some types of cancers, especially those that affect the mouth and esophagus.