By Katarina A. Lewczyk | Date published: April 22, 2025
Pranoti Mandrekar Discusses the Risks of Alcohol Consumption in The Conversation
New research shows that alcohol consumption, consumed regularly or on occasion, can increase the risk of harmful effects on your health. According to Pranoti Mandrekar, PhD, professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology, alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer in the US, responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually.
Dr. Mandrekar believes that alcohol may lead to tumor formation by damaging DNA in the body, which causes mutations that disrupt normal cell division and growth. Additionally, she believes that alcohol can trigger the body to release harmful molecules called free radicals. These molecules can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids in cells in a process called oxidative stress.
“My lab has found that free radicals formed from alcohol consumption can directly affect how well cells make and break down proteins, resulting in abnormal proteins that promote inflammation that favors tumor formation,” explained Dr. Mandrekar. She also finds that alcohol consumption can affect hormone levels, which can increase one's cancer risk.
“Alcohol consumption is a highly preventable cause of cancer. However, there isn’t currently a way to determine someone’s personal cancer risk from alcohol,” said Dr. Mandrekar. “Each person’s individual genetic background, lifestyle, diet, and other health factors can all influence the effects of alcohol on tumor formation. Nevertheless, rethinking your alcohol drinking habits can help protect your health and reduce your cancer risk.”