Alcohol consumption raises skin cancer risk
Regular alcohol drinking could increase the risk of developing melanoma by up to 55%, according to research published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
The meta-analysis study drew on results from 16 studies for a combined total of 6,251 cases of melanoma. The results showed that moderate to heavy drinking (more than one drink, or 12.5g of ethanol a day) increases melanoma risk by 20%. It was noted that risk increased proportionately with alcohol intake, allowing the researchers to estimate an increased risk of 55% for heavy drinkers (more than 50g of ethanol a day).
Dr Eva Negri, one of the authors of the study, said, “We know that in the presence of UV radiation, drinking alcohol can alter the body’s immunocompetence, the ability to produce a normal immune response. This can lead to far greater cellular damage and subsequently cause skin cancers to form. This study aimed to quantify the extent to which the melanoma risk is increased with alcohol intake, and we hope that armed with this knowledge people can better protect themselves in the sun.”
Professor Chris Bunker, presi¬dent of the British Association of Derma-tologists, said, “Brits haven’t always been known for their modera¬tion when it comes to either alcohol or the sun, but this research is im¬portant as it provides people with further information to make informed choices about their health.”
