Excessive Alcohol Consumption Raises Skin Cancer Risk

Sharon Moore January 30, 2014

Excessive alcohol consumption may trigger a chain of reactions in the body that lead to skin cancer, new research found.

According to the study reported in the British Journal of Dermatology, a component of alcohol called ethanol is converted into a substance called acetaldehyde soon after ingestion. This process makes the skin more sensitive to harmful UV light – a risk factor for skin cancer.

The research looked at 16 different studies involving thousands of participants. Results showed that consuming an alcoholic drink or more a day increases skin cancer risk by a fifth. Risk of skin cancer increased proportionately with alcohol intake. Drinkers who consumed 50g of ethanol daily, which is equivalent of a few strong beers, had 55 per cent higher risk of melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer, compared with non- or occasional drinkers.

But there could be some other factors, the researchers note. For instance, drinkers may lounge in the sun without enough protective clothing or sun cream.

"We know that in the presence of UV radiation, drinking alcohol can alter the body’s immunocompetence, the ability to produce a normal immune response.” says Dr Eva Negri, one of the study authors from the University of Milan. "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."

"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.” Prof Chris Bunker of the British Association of Dermatologists pointed out. "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.

But Cancer Research UK said the study didn’t tell for sure whether alcohol is a risk factor for melanoma. As the researchers suggest, the results could be due to sunlight exposure rather than alcohol. But whether or not drinking is linked to skin cancer, the charity notes that it is still a good idea to limit alcohol intake. They add that alcohol consumption is linked to many other types of cancer so cutting back can help reduce the risk.

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Alcohol linked to skin cancer risk