Should Cancer Survivors Drink Alcohol?

As a cancer survivor, your goal is likely to resume your familiar lifestyle as quickly as possible. You may be starting to feel more like your old self again, with a growing appetite and the ability to enjoy food flavors once more. If you enjoyed alcoholic beverages before your cancer treatment, you might be wondering if it's acceptable to drink again. It’s important to think twice about alcohol consumption after cancer.

Research Says Drinking Alcohol is Risky

Research indicates that drinking, even small amounts, of alcohol can increase the risk of developing cancer. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program lists alcoholic beverages as known human carcinogens (a cancer-causing substance) in its Report on Carcinogens. Generally, the more alcohol a person consumes—especially if it's a regular habit—the higher their risk of developing various cancers, including head and neck cancers, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.

In 2017, the American Society of Clinical Oncology released a statement identifying alcohol as a “definite risk factor for cancer,” noting that 5% to 6% of new cancer cases and cancer deaths globally are directly linked to alcohol consumption. ASCO also says that drinking alcohol at the time of diagnosis is also linked with the risk of cancer recurrence and, or developing a secondary cancer.

Research Also Says Moderate Alcohol Consumption is Beneficial

While it is well known that alcohol is associated with health problems, some studies suggest that it may also have certain health benefits. According to a report from Harvard University’s School of Public Health, alcohol can be “both a tonic and a poison,” primarily depending on the quantity consumed. Potential health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, according to Harvard, include a decreased risk of developing diseases, including:

Heart attack
Ischemic (clot-caused) stroke
Peripheral vascular disease
Sudden cardiac death
Death from cardiovascular causes
Gallstones
Type 2 diabetes

Additionally, the National Cancer Institute has noted that several studies have demonstrated a connection between alcohol consumption and a decreased risk of renal cell (kidney) cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

What to Know If You Choose to Drink Alcohol After Undergoing Cancer Treatment

When considering the risks and benefits, avoiding alcohol is generally better for your health than consuming it. However, if you choose to drink, experts agree that moderation is essential to minimize the negative health effects of alcohol while potentially enjoying some benefits, regardless of whether you are a cancer survivor or have never been diagnosed.

How much is safe?

The National Cancer Institute recommends that women limit their alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day, while men should not exceed two drinks per day. In this context, a "drink" is defined as:

12 ounces of beer
8 ounces of malt liquor
5 ounces of wine
1.5 ounces (a shot) of liquor

It’s important to consider not just how much you drink but also what type of alcohol you are consuming. Beer, wine, and liquor each contain roughly half an ounce of alcohol per serving. The alcohol content is usually displayed as either alcohol by volume (ABV) or alcohol proof. The higher the ABV of an alcoholic beverage, the less of it you can safely consume. Generally:

Liquor has an ABV of 40% to 50% (80 to 100-proof)
Wines have an ABV of 9% to 15%
Beers and hard ciders have an ABV of 3% to 7%

You can find more in-depth information about alcohol and its link to cancer in this blog post.

What else should you do?

The same Harvard report that said some alcohol can be good for you also highlights the importance of consuming at least 600 micrograms of folate per day, especially for those who choose to drink alcohol. This is important because alcohol can interfere with the absorption of this essential B vitamin.

Foods high in folate, or vitamin B9, include leafy green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, Brussels sprouts, bananas, citrus fruits, melons, eggs, edamame, lentils, asparagus, beans, poultry, pork, avocados, black beans, beets, nuts, and seeds.

If you cannot get enough folate from your diet, consider discussing the option of a folic acid supplement with your doctor. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate and can be found in supplements and fortified foods.

Most importantly, if you decide to drink alcohol, be sure to follow the guidelines mentioned above for responsible drinking to safeguard your most valuable asset: your health.

Expert Cancer Care in the Portland-Vancouver Area

Remember, it's important to approach alcohol consumption with caution to lower your risk of cancer recurrence. It’s not common, but alcohol consumption also increases the risk of developing a second primary cancer. Carefully consider the risks and benefits of drinking alcohol, and be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Then make a decision that you’re comfortable with.

If you or a loved one is a cancer survivor whose cancer has recurred, the team at Compass Oncology is here to support you every step of the way. You don’t have to choose the same oncologist for further treatments. Schedule a consultation with one of our cancer specialists in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, to learn more about a personalized treatment plan. We can also offer second opinions to help you make informed decisions about your care.