饮酒的致癌风险被低估了，6种癌症几率升高

Core Viewpoint - A recent study published in the British Journal of Cancer Epidemiology indicates that the cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption is underestimated, highlighting that even moderate or light drinking increases the risk of cancer [1][3]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research analyzed 62 studies and found that drinking, especially frequent or heavy drinking, significantly increases the risk of various cancers, including colorectal, breast, liver, oral, esophageal, and stomach cancers; moderate drinking also poses risks [4]. - The likelihood of developing cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, particularly in individuals with a family history of cancer, obesity, or diabetes [4]. - In men, frequent drinking raises cancer risk, while in women, intermittent heavy drinking shows a more pronounced cancer risk [4]. Group 2: Biological Mechanism - Alcohol is metabolized primarily in the liver, where it is first converted to acetaldehyde, a Class 1 carcinogen that directly damages DNA and interferes with DNA repair, effectively giving cancer cells a "green light" [4]. - The accumulation of DNA damage from acetaldehyde is a core reason for cancer development, and alcohol metabolism also produces reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which further enhances cancer risk [4]. Group 3: Misconceptions about Alcohol Consumption - The belief that facial flushing indicates a higher tolerance for alcohol is misleading; it signals a rapid accumulation of acetaldehyde, increasing the risk of cancers such as esophageal cancer [6][7]. - There is a misconception that red wine is less carcinogenic; all alcoholic beverages, regardless of type, produce acetaldehyde upon metabolism, thus carrying cancer risks [9]. - A study published in The Lancet involving 28 million people concluded that there is no "safe level" of alcohol consumption, with the safest amount being zero; any drinking behavior may elevate cancer risk [11].