Regular alcohol raises skin cancer risk ? — Study

Regular drinking could increase by up to half the risk of developing melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer which affects many young people.

Those who had less than one drink a day had a 10 per cent increased risk of melanoma compared with non-drinkers or those who only drink occasionally, experts found.

Moderate drinkers, who consumed two drinks a day, had an 18 per cent higher chance of melanoma.

Heavy drinkers – consuming at least four drinks a day – were at 55 per cent extra risk, according to estimates by an international team of researchers.

One drink was defined as 12.5 grams of alcohol, which is the equivalent of 1.56 units, a glass of wine or half a pint of strong beer.

The extra cancer risk may be the result of alcohol making people more reckless about protecting themselves against the sun.

But the scientists say alcohol causes biological changes that makes skin more sensitive to light and may aggravate the impact of exposure to ultraviolet light.

Exactly how alcohol consumption increases chances of developing melanoma is not fully understood, but the researchers believe that the way that ethanol is converted into a chemical compound called acetaldehyde soon after it is drunk could play a role.

It is thought that acetaldehyde may act as a ‘photosensitiser’  – making skin more sensitive to light – which in turn generates molecules called ‘reactive oxygen species’ that damage cells (known as ‘oxidative stress’) in a way that can cause skin cancers.

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 immuno-competence, 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.”

The authors, however, add a note of caution to interpreting the results, as it is not possible to quantify the impact of UV in isolation on each individual and retrospectively adjust the results accordingly if this wasn’t factored into the original study.

Prof. Chris Bunker, President of the British Association of Dermatologists said: “Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK and melanoma is its deadliest form, any research into this area is very welcome.

“Brits haven’t always been known for their moderation when it comes to either alcohol or the sun, but this research is important as it provides people with further information to make informed choices about their health.

“We would always urge people to be careful in the sun and try to enjoy it responsibly. It is not uncommon to have a few drinks whilst on holiday or at a barbeque, we would just encourage people to be careful and make sure they are protecting their skin, this research provides an extra incentive to do so.

“Many of us have seen holiday makers who have been caught unawares the day before, fuzzy-headed and lobster red – an unwelcome combination.’