The latest European Union (EU) Cancer Prevention Committee has stressed the importance of reducing harmful alcohol consumption as part of its efforts to combat cancer. In the European Plan to Combat Cancer, a target is set to reduce harmful alcohol consumption by at least 10% by 2025.
In turn, he has recommended avoiding alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of developing cancer. The European Cancer Plan stresses that not consuming alcohol is one of the most effective ways of preventing various types of cancer.
Alcohol is a proven carcinogen and alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast, liver, head and neck, esophageal and colorectal cancer. In 2019, 4.4% of cancers diagnosed worldwide and 401,000 cancer deaths were attributed to alcohol consumption, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data.
In turn, alcohol consumption can interfere during cancer treatment and increase side effects.
What is chemotherapy and how does it affect the body?
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment with strong chemicals designed to destroy rapidly dividing cells. Chemotherapy is often used to treat cancer because cancer cells grow and multiply much faster than most cells in the body.
However, this therapy can also affect healthy cells that divide rapidly, such as those in the hair, skin, and lining of the digestive tract.
Common side effects of chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can have a number of side effects. The most common are the following:
- Nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can be quite uncomfortable, but there are medications that can help control them.
- Fatigue. This is one of the most common side effects and can be very debilitating. It is important to rest and conserve energy.
- Weakening of the immune system. Chemotherapy can reduce the number of white blood cells, increasing the risk of infections.
- Damage to the tissues of the mouth and digestive tract. This can cause sores, pain and difficulty eating.
- Changes in appetite and sense of taste. Patients may experience loss of appetite or changes in how they perceive tastes.
How does alcohol interact with chemotherapy ?
Alcohol consumption during chemotherapy is not recommended for several reasons.
Interaction with the liver
Alcohol can affect liver function, which can hinder the elimination of drugs and increase their toxicity since many chemotherapy drugs are metabolized in the liver. This in turn can increase side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Weakening of the immune system
The mechanism of action of chemotherapy already weakens the immune system in itself, while alcohol consumption can worsen this situation, increasing the risk of infections.
Additional complications
Increased side effects can lead to dehydration of the patient caused by nausea or diarrhea. Alcohol can also interfere with the action of chemotherapy drugs, reducing their efficacy.
Consequences of alcohol consumption on the patient’s general well-being
- Increased anxiety and depression: alcohol may initially provide a feeling of relaxation, but in the long term may increase levels of anxiety and depression. This is because alcohol alters neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which can worsen emotional symptoms already present due to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Interference with sleep: alcohol can affect the quality of sleep, which can lead to insomnia problems. Poor sleep can aggravate fatigue and emotional distress, making treatment management even more difficult.
Specialist recommendations
Alcohol consumption has been found to be among the causes of more than 200 diseases, injuries and other health disorders. Therefore, specialists insist that its consumption is associated with the risk of non-communicable diseases, such as liver disease, heart disease and various types of cancer, as well as mental and behavioral health disorders, such as depression, anxiety and alcohol use disorders.
Although alcohol consumption is not recommended in any case, it is crucial to abstain from alcohol during chemotherapy treatment to minimize risks and side effects, and to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. Following the indications of the medical team is fundamental for the success of the treatment and the well-being of the patient.
At IVOQA we have a team of nutritional prehabilitators and psycho-oncologists who can help you increase your quality of life during your cancer treatment. If you want more information you can request an appointment through our contact phone or email.
