Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic - London

BMA Board of Science
“”
One image that sticks in my mind was the patient who had such severe memory
problems secondary to alcohol that he came out of his room every few minutes
asking where his jacket was, not realising that he was doing this about 15 times per
hour – and what I also remember is the sustained patience of the nursing staff!
BMA member
The evidence that alcohol consumption is a contributory cause of a number of cancers has
58, 59
strengthened in recent years. A 2007 review concluded that there is convincing evidence that
alcoholic drinks are a contributory cause of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx,
oesophagus, colorectum (men), and breast, and a probable cause of colorectal cancer in women
and of liver cancer. 59
The review also concluded that there is no safe threshold below which no
effect on cancer risk is observed. 59
The adverse effects of alcohol on health outlined in Box 2 are
most notable in individuals who are alcohol dependent. Alcohol dependence syndrome is strongly
associated with neurologic impairment, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, malignant neoplasms,
and an increased risk of injury. 37
While the majority of effects from alcohol are detrimental to health, consumption at moderate
levels or below is associated with a lower risk of CHD, ischaemic stroke and diabetes mellitus
55, 57, 58, 60-62
compared to individuals who abstain from alcohol. These positive effects on the risk of
CHD appear to be confined to males over the age of 45 years and females past the menopause. 63
As consumption increases above moderate levels, however, the risk relation reverses.
“”
Unfortunately, us doctors, journalists and politicians have supported the concept
that alcohol is good for you (raises HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol), but of
course not for all, and only in small amounts.
BMA member
Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic 29