The other day I bloogged about the benefits of drinking a nice cabernet while devouring bits of dark chocolate in the battle against breast cancer. Now, I read in this month's Wine Spectator that the Austrilians's have a different perspective. Who and what reports do you believe nowadays.
An Australian health organization has issued an eyebrow-raising report urging people to abstain from alcohol completely in order to reduce their risk of cancer. The Cancer Council of Australia (CCA) released a position statement that claims 5 percent of all cancers in that country are attributable to long-term alcohol consumption. While past research has shown evidence of a link between alcohol and cancer, particularly breast cancer, many in the medical community believe the jury is still out on a conclusive connection, and some studies have suggested wine may decrease the risk of some cancers. Some experts and wine professionals are criticizing the CCA's report as misleading.
The CCA claims in its statement that any amount of alcohol will increase one's risk of developing certain cancers. The CCA suggests that people avoid alcohol entirely or, barring that, limit drinking to nationally recommended maximums to reduce risk. As for long-reported links between moderate alcohol consumption and better heart health, the CCA dismissed those, claiming the current research is likely flawed due to errors in methodology. That's at odds with the World Cancer Research Fund, which has said, "Modest amounts of alcoholic drinks are likely to protect against coronary heart disease."
Alcohol has traditionally offered a conundrum for health professionals: Do the potential benefits outweigh the risks? While several studies have found links between consumption and increased risk of some cancers, others have found evidence that wine in moderation can reduce the risk of certain cancers. The CCA's report marks a shift from current literature, which says moderate drinking can have benefits.
Bernard Levin, author of the comprehensive book The American Cancer Society: Colorectal Cancer, says the links are more complex than the CCA report implies. "Moderate drinking [two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women] is moderately safe, but no intake of alcohol is safest," he told Wine Spectator. "On the other hand, there are social and cardiovascular benefits for low doses. Some individuals, by virtue of genes, are probably susceptible to any dose of alcohol while others may not be."
Sage Advice or Alarmist Report?
Put the Glass Down
Several studies have found links between alcohol and cancer, particularly breast cancer. Other studies have shown moderate wine consumption may lower risk.
The Cancer Council of Australia (CCA) released a report blaming alcohol for 5 percent of the country's cancer cases. It urged abstention, and dismissed claims that alcohol can improve cardiovascular health.
Not So Fast
Critics of the report question the CCA's figures, arguing that the number of breast cancer cases it links to alcohol is twice as high as other studies' rates.
Some scientists argue that the link between alcohol and cancer is not well-understood, and say it would be a mistake to ignore wine's other possible health benefits.
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