alcohol

tonyanddenise
tonyanddenise Member Posts: 70
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
What's the real deal with drinking and cancer? I think that it's the sugar?
since we are there how about the consumption of my favorite. Cookies! I like a few beers. Not had this discussion with anyone.

Comments

  • pattyanny
    pattyanny Member Posts: 544
    Hi tonyand denise
    Alcohol is a No-no! I do not now if it is the sugar, but sorry - not on the menu! I am sure the veterans on this site will post more info. Prayers, Patty
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    pattyanny said:

    Hi tonyand denise
    Alcohol is a No-no! I do not now if it is the sugar, but sorry - not on the menu! I am sure the veterans on this site will post more info. Prayers, Patty

    Alcohol is Verboten
    Hi tonyand denise

    It's not the sugar in the booze so much as the alcohol (yeah, I know - reduce sugar, too). I was advised to even avoid alcohol in dental care products like mouthwash.
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    tasted bad
    Hi Tonya and Denise, not a good idea, so of course I tried it. I haven't drank beer in thirty years, but tried a martini. It tasted very bad, went through the roof of my mouth like too much horseradish. I think alcohol in any form won't taste like it did.

    Hal
  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    Alcohol
    Alcohol is a carcinogen. I read a technical article that really scared me about how the alcohol interacts with your cells and can cause cellular mutations that can lead to cancer. If I can find the article, I will post the link here. Seeing as how we've all been diagnosed with cancers of tonsils, tongue, throat, and such like, I worry that we may be expecially vulnerable.

    We are advised to avoid alcohol in mouthwashes because it really burns our sensitive mucosa. I'm not so sure that simply rinsing with alcohol would have the same carcinogenic effect.

    Deb
  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    D Lewis said:

    Alcohol
    Alcohol is a carcinogen. I read a technical article that really scared me about how the alcohol interacts with your cells and can cause cellular mutations that can lead to cancer. If I can find the article, I will post the link here. Seeing as how we've all been diagnosed with cancers of tonsils, tongue, throat, and such like, I worry that we may be expecially vulnerable.

    We are advised to avoid alcohol in mouthwashes because it really burns our sensitive mucosa. I'm not so sure that simply rinsing with alcohol would have the same carcinogenic effect.

    Deb

    More alcohol
    Here is one such link:

    http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa21.htm

    It says:

    Epidemiologic Research

    The strongest link between alcohol and cancer involves cancers of the upper digestive tract, including the esophagus, the mouth, the pharynx, and the larynx (3). Less consistent data link alcohol consumption and cancers of the liver, breast, and colon (3).

    and:

    Upper digestive tract. Chronic heavy drinkers have a higher incidence of esophageal cancer than does the general population. The risk appears to increase as alcohol consumption increases (4-6). An estimated 75 percent of esophageal cancers in the United States are attributable to chronic, excessive alcohol consumption (7).

    Nearly 50 percent of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx are associated with heavy drinking (7). People who drink large quantities of alcohol over time have an increased risk of these cancers as compared with abstainers (8,9). If they drink and smok e, the increase in risk is even more dramatic (5,6).

    ------

    These numbers probably don't reflect the latest information on the role of HPV-16 and other versions of the HPV virus, and their role in cancers of the mouth, pharynx and larynx. In any event, the information is pretty scary.

    Deb
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    D Lewis said:

    Alcohol
    Alcohol is a carcinogen. I read a technical article that really scared me about how the alcohol interacts with your cells and can cause cellular mutations that can lead to cancer. If I can find the article, I will post the link here. Seeing as how we've all been diagnosed with cancers of tonsils, tongue, throat, and such like, I worry that we may be expecially vulnerable.

    We are advised to avoid alcohol in mouthwashes because it really burns our sensitive mucosa. I'm not so sure that simply rinsing with alcohol would have the same carcinogenic effect.

    Deb

    Alcohol is a Carcinogen
    Isn't everything......
  • Joel4
    Joel4 Member Posts: 263 Member
    Skiffin16 said:

    Alcohol is a Carcinogen
    Isn't everything......

    Alcohol
    I'm 39 years old and have HPV positive SCC unknown primary. I throughout my adult life have enjoyed the occasional beer. My cancer was certainly not caused by drinking a handful of drinks a month.
    I have had surgery only up to this point...the primary was never found, it may have gone away, but if it shows up via exams or scans then they'll do radiation and be able to target it better.
    I still plan on enjoying the occasional beer, greasy bacon cheeseburger, and iced coffees. My doctor is not concerned about light alcohol consumption and I trust him.
    I am going to enjoy the life I have left and will be very reasonable in doing so...I'm a big fan of moderation.
  • dogsrule
    dogsrule Member Posts: 96
    Joel4 said:

    Alcohol
    I'm 39 years old and have HPV positive SCC unknown primary. I throughout my adult life have enjoyed the occasional beer. My cancer was certainly not caused by drinking a handful of drinks a month.
    I have had surgery only up to this point...the primary was never found, it may have gone away, but if it shows up via exams or scans then they'll do radiation and be able to target it better.
    I still plan on enjoying the occasional beer, greasy bacon cheeseburger, and iced coffees. My doctor is not concerned about light alcohol consumption and I trust him.
    I am going to enjoy the life I have left and will be very reasonable in doing so...I'm a big fan of moderation.

    no restrictions
    I asked my doctor if it was ok to have an occasional glass of wine or beer. He said that there were no restrictions. I have indulged a little. I would really have been bummed out if he said no wine. I love wine...in moderation of course.
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    dogsrule said:

    no restrictions
    I asked my doctor if it was ok to have an occasional glass of wine or beer. He said that there were no restrictions. I have indulged a little. I would really have been bummed out if he said no wine. I love wine...in moderation of course.

    85%
    I've read that they estimate the cause of 85% of H&N to be alcohol and tobacco-related, for what it's worth.

    kcass
  • greg from pa
    greg from pa Member Posts: 86
    alchohol
    I am being treated currently for BOT/c w/mets to lymph nodes.I used to be a heavy beer drinker.The c tested positive HPV. I have now quit drinking and life seems to be better without the alchohol.Don.t really miss it. I just want to enjoy everyday God gives me. Greg
  • rozaroo
    rozaroo Member Posts: 665
    Kent Cass said:

    85%
    I've read that they estimate the cause of 85% of H&N to be alcohol and tobacco-related, for what it's worth.

    kcass

    Alcohol
    Hubby & I were out last weekend & I took a sip of his beer. I was so dissapointed it tasted terrible. Have all my taste bud's back but obviously not in the booze department lol!
  • tonyanddenise
    tonyanddenise Member Posts: 70
    D Lewis said:

    Alcohol
    Alcohol is a carcinogen. I read a technical article that really scared me about how the alcohol interacts with your cells and can cause cellular mutations that can lead to cancer. If I can find the article, I will post the link here. Seeing as how we've all been diagnosed with cancers of tonsils, tongue, throat, and such like, I worry that we may be expecially vulnerable.

    We are advised to avoid alcohol in mouthwashes because it really burns our sensitive mucosa. I'm not so sure that simply rinsing with alcohol would have the same carcinogenic effect.

    Deb

    etoh
    thanks. I was curious why we are not supposed to drink. It has been a down fall at times for me and I did not want to compound the existing problem.
  • tonyanddenise
    tonyanddenise Member Posts: 70
    dogsrule said:

    no restrictions
    I asked my doctor if it was ok to have an occasional glass of wine or beer. He said that there were no restrictions. I have indulged a little. I would really have been bummed out if he said no wine. I love wine...in moderation of course.

    love a good cabernet or
    love a good cabernet or merlot with a rare fillet!
  • tonyanddenise
    tonyanddenise Member Posts: 70
    Kent Cass said:

    85%
    I've read that they estimate the cause of 85% of H&N to be alcohol and tobacco-related, for what it's worth.

    kcass

    hn&c
    ditto on that. my surgical ent said I smoked for nearly 30 years and the rough lifestyle of a carpenter and the after work drinking was my demise. he has been diagnosed with prostate ca and just had it removed last week. he wants to get together for a cocktail after we both heal. Hmmm.... his attending at my rnd said smoking got me... his partner in practice drained my neck, looked at me and said "you just simply were the unlucky one'. so my thoughts were " who knows" that was why I was asking.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    Kent Cass said:

    85%
    I've read that they estimate the cause of 85% of H&N to be alcohol and tobacco-related, for what it's worth.

    kcass

    No Expert
    I'm by no way an expert, but I'd presume those estimates to be more inline with H&N before HPV came on the scene.
  • Irishgypsie
    Irishgypsie Member Posts: 333

    alchohol
    I am being treated currently for BOT/c w/mets to lymph nodes.I used to be a heavy beer drinker.The c tested positive HPV. I have now quit drinking and life seems to be better without the alchohol.Don.t really miss it. I just want to enjoy everyday God gives me. Greg

    ETOH
    Hey this post came up before so I know that everyone had different opinions on this. I won't sit here and say that in my life a may never have a sip again. But I do know I least won't have a sip within the next 2 years. I guess I'm not sure; I think I'm like everyone else I would be afraid. My tumor was HPV+ and i didn't smoke so i know that HPV was the main culprit. I know that Kimba had stated that the 2 year mark was a big milestone. I always thought it was 5 years; at least that what my doctor still says. Maybe I'll end up being the type that when at a social event I order a glass of beer or wine and just hold it and don't drink it.

    Charles
  • chris731
    chris731 Member Posts: 24
    Joel4 said:

    Alcohol
    I'm 39 years old and have HPV positive SCC unknown primary. I throughout my adult life have enjoyed the occasional beer. My cancer was certainly not caused by drinking a handful of drinks a month.
    I have had surgery only up to this point...the primary was never found, it may have gone away, but if it shows up via exams or scans then they'll do radiation and be able to target it better.
    I still plan on enjoying the occasional beer, greasy bacon cheeseburger, and iced coffees. My doctor is not concerned about light alcohol consumption and I trust him.
    I am going to enjoy the life I have left and will be very reasonable in doing so...I'm a big fan of moderation.

    I agree
    with Joel4, I drank maybe 2-3 beers a year at best, and I still got cancer. If I feel like a beer, I'm going to have one and enjoy it. My uncle was an alcoholic and never had cancer. Not that he didn't die to a alcohol related disease. But it wasn't cancer that took him.
  • SIRENAF42
    SIRENAF42 Member Posts: 202

    ETOH
    Hey this post came up before so I know that everyone had different opinions on this. I won't sit here and say that in my life a may never have a sip again. But I do know I least won't have a sip within the next 2 years. I guess I'm not sure; I think I'm like everyone else I would be afraid. My tumor was HPV+ and i didn't smoke so i know that HPV was the main culprit. I know that Kimba had stated that the 2 year mark was a big milestone. I always thought it was 5 years; at least that what my doctor still says. Maybe I'll end up being the type that when at a social event I order a glass of beer or wine and just hold it and don't drink it.

    Charles

    Alcohol
    I was a social drinker before cancer, every weekend had beer or margaritas or some kind of alcoholic beverage. Since my treatments I can count on one hand the drinks I have had. I dont like the taste anymore and it feels weird in my mouth. My friends dont understand, but I just dont like the way it makes me feel, like Im disconnected or something. They will get over it, but the wild Sirena has calmed down.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member

    ETOH
    Hey this post came up before so I know that everyone had different opinions on this. I won't sit here and say that in my life a may never have a sip again. But I do know I least won't have a sip within the next 2 years. I guess I'm not sure; I think I'm like everyone else I would be afraid. My tumor was HPV+ and i didn't smoke so i know that HPV was the main culprit. I know that Kimba had stated that the 2 year mark was a big milestone. I always thought it was 5 years; at least that what my doctor still says. Maybe I'll end up being the type that when at a social event I order a glass of beer or wine and just hold it and don't drink it.

    Charles

    Another Difference In Opinions
    Charles, like you I had always thought five years was the magic milestone. My ENT feels that the first year is a very big milestone, with year two being even bigger.....