Heavy drinkers are more prone to skin cancer risk

Alcoholics, particularly heavy drinkers are more prone to skin cancer risk, a recent study has suggested. When compared to moderate drinkers, the risk of developing skin cancer (melanoma) is 50% higher among heavy drinkers. Even one drink a day may increase the chance of getting melanoma by 20%.                                                                 
Three or four drinks a day could increase the biological sensitivity of body to sun rays.

Too much exposure to sun rays could cause skin cancer. Alcohol impairs body’s natural defense mechanism against the ultraviolet (UV) rays, present in sunlight that increase skin cancer risk. Alcohol is converted into acetaldehydewhich also increases body’s sensitivity to sunlight. However, the complete biological mechanisms are unknown.

The study was published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

0 comments:

Post a Comment