Fact Check: Is Whiskey beneficial in reducing the risk of Cancer?

Claim: A social media post on Pinterest claims various health benefits of the Whiskey, such as helping to maintain a healthy weight, Aiding in boosting cognitive performance, reducing the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease, Useful in preventing illness, and improving the function of the immune system. One of the claims is that it is beneficial in reducing the risk of Cancer. The link to the post can be accessed here.

Fact Check:

The claim is False.

Understanding Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, "Cancer is a disease in which some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer is a disease in which some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other body parts." (1) Normally, human cells grow and multiply (through cell division) to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes, this orderly process breaks down, and abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn't. These cells may form tumours, which are lumps of tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malign) or not cancerous (benign).

Cancerous tumours spread into or invade nearby tissues and can travel to distant places in the body to form new tumours (a process called metastasis).

Cancer may be classified as solid tumours or blood cancer (Leukemia). There are more than 100 types of Cancer. Some categories of cancers that begin in specific types of cells are as follows:

• Carcinoma: The most common type of Cancer. They are formed by epithelial cells( cells that cover the inside and outside surfaces of the body)

• Sarcoma: cancers in bone and soft tissues, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, etc.

• Lymphoma: Cancer that begins in lymphocytes (T cells or B cells).

• Leukemia: Cancers that begin in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow are called leukaemias.

Key factors that contribute to an individual's risk of developing Cancer:

Speaking to the Medical dialogues team, Dr Philip George Kuttikatt, Associate Consultant, Medical Oncology, Apollo Adlux Hospital, Angamaly, explained "the key factors that put an individual at risk of developing Cancer:

1. Genetic Factors: Certain genetic mutations or inherited genetic conditions like mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that are associated with breast and ovarian cancers

2. Age: Cancer incidence tends to increase with age.

3. Environmental Exposures: Exposure to carcinogens(tobacco smoke, asbestos, ultraviolet (UV)) in the environment can increase cancer risk.

4. Lifestyle Choices: Certain lifestyle factors like smoking tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, a diet high in processed foods, red and processed meats, lack of physical activity, and being overweight or obese increase the risk of Cancer.

5. Family History and Hereditary Factors

6. Chronic Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can promote cancer development.

7. Hormonal Factors: Hormones can influence cancer risk. For example, exposure to oestrogen over a long period can increase the risk of breast and uterine cancers.

8. Immunosuppression: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS

9. Occupational Hazards: Certain occupations and workplace exposures, such as exposure to asbestos, chemicals, radiation, or industrial pollutants, can elevate cancer risk.

It's important to note that while these factors contribute to cancer risk, not everyone exposed to these factors will develop Cancer."

What is Whiskey?

According to the Cambridge dictionary definition, Whiskey is a strong, pale brown alcoholic drink, originally from Scotland and Ireland, made from grain such as barley, corn, or rye. (2)Whiskey is distilled from a fermented (malted or unmalted) cereal grain mash to a concentration not exceeding 80% alcohol by volume (abv) and aged in new charred oak barrels for at least two years at a concentration not exceeding 62.5% at the start of the ageing process. Whiskey that is distilled from a fermented (malted or unmalted) cereal grain mash to a concentration not exceeding 80% alcohol by volume (abv) and aged in new charred oak barrels for at least two years at a concentration not exceeding 62.5% at the start of the ageing process.

Nutrient composition:

As per the U.S. Department Of Agriculture (USDA), water content is noted to be 63.9 grams for 100g of Whiskey. The carbohydrate by difference is 0.1 grams, with total sugars also at 0.1 grams. It also contains Iron, zinc, copper and manganese. Vitamins such as Thiamin, riboflavin and niacin are also present. (3)

Is Whiskey beneficial in reducing the risk of Cancer?

No, Whiskey is not beneficial in reducing the risk of Cancer. Moreover, consuming more Alcohol, including Whiskey, has been shown in many studies to be associated with an increased risk of several types of Cancer.

According to (the American Institute for Cancer Research), Alcohol is recognized as a carcinogen, and its Consumption is associated with an increased risk of cancers such as those of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum, and breast. The type of Alcohol consumed (beer, wine, or spirits like Whiskey) does not change this risk. It's noted that ethanol, the kind of Alcohol found in all alcoholic drinks, is a known carcinogen that can lead to DNA damage, which is a primary way that alcohol consumption can lead to Cancer (4).Centre for Disease Control and Prevention stated that "Alcohol use increases the risk of cancers of the female breast, liver, colon, rectum, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and oesophagus." (5)

Expert Opinion:

On speaking to the Medical dialogues team, Dr Jeny Elizabeth George, Senior Registrar, Department of Hematology (Medical Oncology), Apollo Adlux Hospital Angamaly, clarified," Consumption of Alcohol, including Whiskey, is not recommended to reduce the risk of Cancer. While it's true that some studies have suggested potential health benefits associated with moderate alcohol consumption, including a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cognitive benefits, the risks associated with alcohol consumption outweigh these potential benefits, especially concerning cancer risk. Numerous scientific studies have established a clear link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of various types of Cancer. Alcohol is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) due to its association with cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum, and breast, among others. The risk of developing these cancers increases with the amount of Alcohol consumed, and even moderate alcohol intake has been shown to elevate cancer risk. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage DNA and interfere with cell repair mechanisms, potentially promoting the development of Cancer. Therefore, individuals need to understand that any potential health benefits attributed to alcohol consumption must be weighed against the known risks, particularly concerning Cancer.

Multiple large-scale studies have established a clear link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of several cancers, including Mouth and throat cancers, Esophageal Cancer, Liver cancer, Breast cancer, and Colorectal Cancer. The current recommendation from major health organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, is to limit alcohol intake or abstain altogether to minimize the risk of Cancer.

Medical Dialogues Final Take:

No whiskey is not beneficial for reducing cancer risk. We could not locate studies that could substaniate this claim. On the contrary,  studies and scientific evidence shows that Alcohol is recognized as a carcinogen associated with an increased risk of several types of Cancer, including those of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum, and breast. Hence, the claim that Whiskey is beneficial for reducing cancer risk is False.

REFERENCES:

1. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer.

2. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/whiskey.

3. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174819/nutrients.

4. https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/recommendations/limit-alcohol-consumption/.

5. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/alcohol/reducing-excessive-alcohol-use/index.htm.