The Most Common Carcinogens To Know & Avoid

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are frequently ignored when discussing carcinogens, but they can actually cause many types of cancer. In women, alcohol increases breast cancer risk, because alcohol alters hormones and increases levels of hormones associated with breast cancer. Alcohol is also associated with an increased risk of some types of esophageal, mouth, and intestinal cancers. Alcoholic beverages cause these types because they damage the cells lining the gastrointestinal system as you drink them. If you drink heavily, you can also raise your risk of liver cancer because regular excessive alcohol consumption harms the liver.

It is best to avoid alcohol altogether, of course, but if you still want to drink, stay within liquor guidelines. Try to avoid drinking more than one drink a day or more than four drinks on a single occasion. Keep in mind a drink is usually defined as twelve ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor.

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