Here’s the first thing you need to know about Dry January – it was not created to for alcoholics or those having issues with drinking.
The goal was to draw attention to how cutting back on alcohol consumption can improve overall health by cutting calories, improving sleep – and possibly preventing cancer.
Dr. Jamie Koprivnikar, an oncologist with Hackensack Meridian Health’s John Theurer Cancer Center, said the cancer connection is real.
“Think of it this way, alcohol is like a sneaky guest at your party, it might seem fun at first, but it can wreak havoc on your body’s cells,” she said. “Over time, this damage can lead to mutations that increase your risk of developing cancer.”
The research indicates that those who reduce alcohol consumption or stop drinking altogether can decrease their risk of developing alcohol-related cancers by 8 percent and can reduce their risk of all cancer by 4 percent compared to those who sustain or increase their consumption of alcohol.
A recent study by the American Association for Cancer Research said even moderation alcohol consumption can have serious consequences.
The researchers suggested that alcohol may play a serious role in the alarming increase in cancers among younger adults, especially cancers of the gastrointestinal system, like colorectal cancer.
The authors of the report are recommending adding cancer-specific warning labels to alcoholic beverages, which may inspire more people to extend Dry January throughout the year.
There is some good news: Recent polling suggests the movement is being led by young people.
Recent polling suggests more than 25 percent of people 21 and older plan to participate in Dry January, and the numbers increase with younger generations more inclined to give up alcohol.
One study by Statistica found 75 percent of those 21-24 are somewhat likely to participate as opposed to only 31 percent of drinkers 55 and older. And many of those that aren’t ready to go completely “dry” are joining a growing “sober curious” movement.
That’s a good thing.
The research indicates that those who reduce alcohol consumption or stop drinking altogether can decrease their risk of developing alcohol-related cancers by 8 percent and can reduce their risk of all cancer by 4 percent compared to those who sustain or increase their consumption of alcohol.
Even if Dry January or going completely sober isn’t for you, cutting back alcohol consumption can have significant benefits.
The report estimates that 40% of all cancer cases are associated with modifiable risk factors. It recommends reducing alcohol consumption, along with making lifestyle changes such as avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, exercising, avoiding ultraviolet radiation and minimizing exposure to pollutants.
Koprivnikar recommends keeping the following in mind when it comes to alcohol consumption:
- The more you drink, the higher your risk. Even moderate drinkers (those who have up to one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men) have a higher risk of developing certain cancers compared to non-drinkers.
- Alcohol affects different parts of your body. It can damage your mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast, increasing the risk of cancer in those areas.
- It’s not just about the type of alcohol. Beer, wine, and liquor all contain ethanol, the type of alcohol that contributes to cancer risk.
And she recommends the taking the following actions:
- Limit your alcohol intake or consider abstaining from alcohol altogether. The less you drink, the lower your risk. Aim for no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
- Be mindful of your overall health. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can all help reduce your cancer risk.
- Talk to your doctor. They can help you understand your individual risk and make informed decisions about your alcohol consumption.
Then there’s this: These movements may be making an impact.
Research found those that attempt a dry January or sober interlude, often continue it. The findings showed half of participants reported drinking less following the challenge. Even after the challenge period concluded, 15% of participants reported they continued alcohol abstinence.
