8. Alcohol Consumption: The Overlooked Culprit
Alcohol consumption is usually linked with liver disease or heart problems, but its role in lung cancer is less obvious. Yet, emerging research suggests that frequent alcohol consumption can elevate the risk of developing lung cancer. Alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a chemical that can damage DNA and impede its repair mechanisms.
It’s a subtle but pervasive effect. The acetaldehyde doesn’t just vanish; it circulates in your bloodstream, reaching various organs, including your lungs. Over time, this can cause mutations at a cellular level. While a single drink is unlikely to cause such severe damage, the risk accumulates over time, particularly for heavy drinkers.
Alcohol also affects the liver’s ability to detoxify carcinogens, thereby indirectly contributing to lung cancer. When the liver is preoccupied with processing alcohol, it’s less efficient at filtering out other harmful substances that might be circulating in your system. This provides an additional route for carcinogens to affect the lungs. (8)
