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НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ • Липень 2025 39 OUR HEALTH Ihor Magun, MD, FACP The American Cancer Society has identified alcohol consumption as a significant risk factor for can - cer, including the oral cavity, liv - er, colon, pancreas, and breast. All this is of concern since alcohol use and misuse among women are increasing. A low risk level for women is consuming no more than seven drinks per week and no more than three on any giv - en day (which would leave you with only four for the rest of the week). Women can develop issues related to alcohol intake sooner than men, for multiple reasons. Alcohol resides in body water, and pound for pound, women have less water in their bodies than men. What this actually means is that, if a woman and a man of the same weight drink the exact same amount of alco - hol, the amount of alcohol in the blood will be higher in a woman, putting her at greater risk for harm. A woman can become in - toxicated faster, and blood alco - hol levels last longer. The amount a woman can safely drink depends on a num - ber of factors, including weight, genetics, family history, and age. Women and Alcohol Of course, any woman who is pregnant should not drink any alcohol. What are the mechanisms that lead to cancer (when large quan - tities of alcohol are consumed)? Alcohol increases estrogen levels that promote the growth of breast tissue and increase the likelihood of malignant transfor - mation of cells in the breast. Alcohol can lead to changes in DNA-alternating gene expres - sion , which contribute to car - cinogenesis. Alcohol can induce inflamma - tion , which can damage cellular components. Alcohol is broken down (me - tabolized) in our body to acet - aldehyde, a known carcinogen. This byproduct exists in the body for only a brief time, but it is particularly evident in the liver, where the bulk of alcohol metab - olism takes place. Genetic factors referred to as polymorphisms exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of alcohol by increasing acetaldehyde. In - dividuals with these genetic fac - tors who consume alcohol have a greater risk vs. those without these polymorphisms. Polymor - phism is most often reported in patients of East Asian descent. Teen girls who drink heavily appear to have a greater reduc - tion in the size of important brain areas involved with memory and decision-making. The information in this arti - cle is mostly about the possible adverse effects of alcohol when consumed in greater amounts and for a prolonged period of time. On the positive side, re - searchers have found that red wine has polyphenols that may help protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart and may low - er the level of “bad” cholesterol. Nonetheless, the quantity of red wine consumed should adhere to the suggested guidelines. Alcohol is meant to be enjoyed and is an important part of life and celebrations. Enjoy all the positive aspects of alcohol, but keep in mind and be aware of the possible dangers, especially addiction.
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