Tag: alcohol

Alcohol and Cancer: What You Need to Know

As Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy warned about alcohol’s link to cancer, highlighting that many Americans are unaware of this risk. Alcohol is a significant preventable cancer cause, with various mechanisms contributing to its carcinogenic effects. Education is prioritized over prohibition, urging informed decision-making about alcohol consumption.

Before the end of his term as Surgeon General this year, Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory about alcohol and its association with cancer. Known as the “Nation’s Doctor”, the Surgeon General informs Americans about the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.

President Trump has appointed two physicians to become the new Surgeon General. The first nomination was withdrawn and the second is pending Senate confirmation.

In this post I explain what Dr. Murthy wanted Americans to know about the risk of alcohol drinking so we can make wise decisions about our personal alcohol use.

Alcohol-Leading Preventable Cause of Cancer

Alcohol use is common—in 2019-2020, 72% of U.S. adults reported they consumed one or more drinks per week. But less than half of U.S. adults are aware of the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.

The direct link between alcohol use and cancer was first established in the late 1980s, and evidence for this link has strengthened over time.

The risk of cancer is greater with larger amounts of daily alcohol consumption. However, since most people drink small or moderate amounts, there are many alcohol related cases in these groups.

The three leading preventable causes of cancer in the United States are tobacco use, obesity, and alcohol drinking.

Alcohol and Cancer Risk Advisory

How Alcohol Can Cause Cancer

First, alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde in the body. Acetaldehyde causes cancer by binding to and damaging DNA. When DNA is damaged, a cell can grow uncontrollably and create a cancerous tumor.

Second, alcohol creates “oxidative stress”, which increases inflammation and can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids in the body through a process called oxidation.

Third, alcohol alters hormone levels (including estrogen), which play a role in breast cancer.

Fourth, carcinogens from other sources, especially particles of tobacco smoke, can dissolve in alcohol, making it easier for them to be absorbed into the body, increasing the risk for mouth and throat cancers.

The best-established evidence is on the first two pathways of acetaldehyde and inflammation.

Hormonal regulation and alcohol as a solvent are widely thought to be important pathways for carcinogenesis but are not yet fully understood.

Research also continues on other possible mechanisms, including folate deficiency.

Men and Women are at Risk from Alcohol

Alcohol Associated Cancers

Alcohol drinking contributes to at least seven cancers, all of which are among the most common. These include cancers of the mouth and throat, the larynx (voice box), the esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, and breast in women.

Recommendations to Lower the Risk of Alcohol Related Cancer

The only way to completely eliminate the risk of cancer from alcohol use is to refrain from drinking alcohol. However, no one suggests we should make it illegal to make, sell, or drink alcohol.

The United States tried that in the early 20th century in what was known as Prohibition. But even laws did not stop the flow of alcohol so the law was repealed.

Now the emphasis is on education so people know the risk and make informed decisions about their alcohol use. There are warning labels on bottles of alcohol, for other health-related risks.

In the U.S., pursuant to 27 U.S.C. 215, every alcoholic beverage sold in the United States must currently have the following health warning label: “GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.”

This label statement has remained unchanged since its inception in 1988.The power to change the label statement lies with Congress.

Given the conclusive evidence on the cancer risk from alcohol consumption, the Surgeon General recommends an update to the Surgeon General’s warning label for alcohol-containing beverages to include a cancer risk warning.

What you can do to lower your cancer risk

People who are already at increased risk of certain cancers will want to consider their alcohol use carefully. For example, people with a family history of colon cancer may want to drink minimal amounts, if at all.

Women who have had breast cancer may want to refrain from any alcohol use. Talk to your doctor about your cancer risk factors and any behaviors that put you at increased risk.

Assess your drinking behavior and the need for change at this link

RETHINKING DRINKING

You can read the full advisory and find other resources at this link from HHS.

Alcohol and Cancer Risk

Information about breast cancer in a previous post

Observing Breast Cancer Awareness

In October, awareness of breast cancer is highlighted. This common cancer affects both women and men, with various types identified. Risk factors include age, genetics, and lifestyle. Early detection and preventive measures can significantly improve outcomes, emphasizing the need for education and support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Keep reading
Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.'s avatar by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

This blog post discusses how to apply statistics to understand risk.

Post Images

The graphics in this post are from the HHS website, Office of the Surgeon General.

A post about the former Surgeon General

Dr. Murthy’s Parting Prescription

In this post I review outgoing U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s “Parting Prescription for America” . He reminds us of the importance of rebuilding community through relationships, service, and purpose. The erosion of community leads to disconnection and poor health. Dr. Murthy advocates for a cultural shift towards fulfillment and connection as a path…

Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.'s avatar by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

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Dr. Aletha

Safe and Healthy Cruising-Keys to an Enjoyable Vacation on a Ship

In this post I share experiences from visiting the Titanic museum and a subsequent cruise, emphasizing enhanced safety measures unlike those on the Titanic. Observations include thorough safety drills, food allergy considerations, hygiene protocols, and various activities available. While the cruise was enjoyable, potential health risks exist, including sun exposure and noise levels.

You’ve probably seen the movie, Titanic. I  toured the Titanic museum in Branson, Missouri,  a sobering experience. The loss of so many lives is staggering, especially since it should have been prevented with better preparation, including enough lifeboats for everyone on board.

Titanic museum, replica of ship and iceberg
The Titanic Museum, Branson, Missouri

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A Doctor Takes a Cruise

One summer I went on a cruise vacation which fared far better than the Titanic. This was the third cruise I have ever been on, but the last one was so long ago that I had forgotten some of the details.

(This is not a sponsored post, instead, there are affiliate links not connected with the cruise line. Using them does not cost you extra and will help fund this blog. Thank you. )

As a physician, I view experiences in medical terms. I was impressed with the rules and procedures that keep the guests and crew healthy and safe.

elevators on a ship

I’m not revealing the cruise line’s name, but it is one of the large, well-known ones, with a good reputation as far as I know. I can’t vouch that this cruise is typical of all cruise companies, so I offer these observations that you can consider if you ever go on a cruise.

Safety drill- lifeboats, jackets

the side of a ship with 2 lifeboats

Before the ship left the dock, we participated in a safety drill where we all had to assemble at our assigned stations where we would go in case of an emergency. Once there, the crew took roll by checking our ID cards (more on this later) to make sure we were all there.

We had life vests in our room and there would also be life vests at the stations in case we weren’t in our room at the time the alarm sounded. Unlike the Titanic, we were assured there was room on the lifeboats for everyone on board.

Security, photo id, room key

Upon checking in, they issued us a photo ID card that was our room key and a charge card for onboard purchases. When we left the ship at the ports, we showed the card which was scanned, then showed it again to get back on the ship.

a line of people boarding a ship
showing ID to return to the ship after a day in port

Children-arm bands

We weren’t traveling with children ourselves, but children wore armbands with identification in case of getting separated from their parents.

Food allergies and preferences.

Food is plentiful on a ship and a wide variety of choices. Some venues are buffets but in the sit-down dining room, the wait staff always inquired about food allergies and special diet needs before we ordered our meal.

a couple sitting at a table by a window with an ocean view
We enjoyed lunch with an ocean view.

Here is a link to my post on

 How to manage food allergy with confidence

Hygiene

Antibacterial hand gel was everywhere, along with reminders to use it.

Outside of every food venue, there were containers and a crew member there to dispense it to you.

There were strict warnings about what not to put into the toilets. As we heard at the introductory session, “If one toilet on a cruise ship backs up, they all back up.” Not a pleasant thought.

a sign- IMPORTANT-please do not throw foreign objects into the toilet bowl.

A daily newsletter with cruise information and schedule was delivered to our cabin every day. This note about health was posted daily-

Medical experts tell us that the best way to prevent colds, flu, or gastrointestinal illnesses-such as Norovirus-is to simply wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. After restroom breaks and again before eating.

Should you experience any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness (vomiting, diarrhea) do not go to the ship’s medical facility. Call the medical staff for a complimentary consultation and treatment. A member of the medical staff will see you in your stateroom.

 

 

Medical facility on board

If you do need to go to the medical station, there is a doctor on duty for 3 hours in the morning and afternoon. (On a previous cruise, I visited the medical station for a tour. It looked modern and well stocked.)

Smoking- designated areas only

Smoking is not allowed in any of the cabins or balconies, including electronic cigarettes. There were designated smoking areas outside and in the casino.

Here are some reminders on why it’s wise not to smoke-

7 surprising reasons to be smoke free

Fitness and Sports

If you wanted to exercise, there was ample opportunity.

Swimming and other water sports

a swimming pool on a cruise shop
  • A fully equipped gym
  • Rock climbing wall
  • Walking/jogging path outside.
exercise equipment on a cruise ship

  • Classes in yoga, stretching, cycling, and dance.
  • Competitions in volleyball, table tennis, dodgeball, basketball
  • Ice skating
  • Dance venues
  • Miniature golf
a mini golf course with a beach theme
Beach theme mini golf

 

 

Spa services

In addition to the usual spa services  like hair and face treatments, they offered

  • Massage
  • Acupuncture
  • Teeth whitening
  • Anti-aging treatments
  • “Detox”

 

Safe and healthy cruising-keys to an enjoyable vacation-watercresswords.com

Potential health risks

Are there any aspects of a cruise experience that might be detrimental to one’s health? Consider these things.

Sun

This ship sailed in a tropical climate so there was ample sun, both while on the ship and in the tropical ports. So obviously there was a risk of sunburn, dehydration, and long-term development of skin cancer due to sun exposure. Sunscreen was a must if you stayed outside.

Noise

There were multiple musical venues on just about every deck, as well as the general noise generated by thousands of people. For people who have sensory issues to noise, sensitive ears, or hearing loss the noise level might be uncomfortable.

Motion

We were fortunate to have smooth sailing except for a few hours when the sea was rough, causing me to feel off balance but not seasick. If you are highly sensitive to motion, sail on a small ship, or hit rough seas, you may get seasick, which is not pleasant.

Addictions-food, alcohol, gambling, shopping

If you tend to be compulsive or addicted to activities like eating, drinking alcohol, gambling, or spending money, a cruise may not be the best place to vacation.

Food is abundant, delicious, varied, and “free”- meaning it’s all-inclusive with the price you paid (although there were some special meal venues that cost extra.)

 

a promenade on a cruise ship
On the promenade there were food and shopping opportunities.

Alcohol purchase is not included in the cruise fare but is easily purchased in dining venues as well as bars. (However, they strictly enforced not providing alcohol to minors.)

Gambling was available in the centrally located casino, open from morning until late at night.

Shopping on the promenade and in the ports- clothes, jewelry, art, liquor, wine, souvenirs, and who knows what else.

an art gallery with bright colored pictures
The art gallery, where they had auctions every day

There were so many activities offered it was impossible to try them all. And there were places where one could escape for some quiet time to read, play a game, or just sit and enjoy the view.

a small chapel
The chapel offered a peaceful, quiet place for meditation.

Post Images

I shot all of the photos in the blog post.

Exploring the HEART of Health

I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you turn health challenges into health opportunities.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha 

waves behind a ship
THE END!