Guidelines Dietary - Eat For Health

CancerThere is increasing evidence of an association between alcohol consumption and heightened risk of specific cancers.In general, the evidence suggests that different types of alcoholic drink have similar effects. 43 The WCRF reportconcludes that the number of cancers for which alcohol is a known risk factor is increasing (see Appendix F). 43It appears unlikely that there is a threshold of alcohol intake below which there is no effect on cancer risk.• Breast cancer: There is evidence of a probable association between consumption of alcohol, even at low levels(10 g/day), and an increased risk of breast cancer (Grade B; Evidence Report, Section 16.4). 817-823 The WCRF reportfound a convincing association between consumption of alcohol and risk of breast cancer (see Appendix F). 43• Oesophageal cancer: There is evidence of a probable association between consumption of alcohol and anincreased risk of cancer of the oesophagus (Grade B; Evidence Report, Section 16.6). 43,817 The WCRF reportfound a convincing association between consumption of alcohol and risk of cancer of the oesophagus(see Appendix F). 43• Colon and rectal cancer: The evidence suggests that consumption of alcohol, even at low levels (10 g/day),is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer and rectal cancer (Grade C; Evidence Report,Section 16.5). 43,817,824,825• Liver cancer: The evidence suggests that consumption of alcohol, even at low levels (10 g/day), is associated withincreased risk of liver cancer in some populations (Grade C; Evidence Report, Section 16.9). 43,817 The WCRF reportfound a probable association between the consumption of alcohol and risk of liver cancer (see Appendix F) 43 .• Oral cavity, pharynx and larynx: The evidence suggests that consumption of alcohol is associated with anincreased risk of cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx (Grade C; Evidence Report, Section 16.7). 43,817,826Guideline 3• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: Evidence that the consumption of alcohol is associated with non-Hodgkinlymphoma is inconclusive (Evidence Report, Section 16.11).• Other cancers: The evidence that consumption of alcohol is associated with renal, pancreatic and ovariancancer is inconclusive (Evidence Report, Sections 16.8, 16.10 and 16.12).Other conditions• Alcohol-related liver disease: As discussed in the 2003 edition of the dietary guidelines, there is continuingevidence that excess alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of alcohol-related liver disease(fatty liver, cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholic hepatitis). 827 The same level of average consumption is related to ahigher risk of liver cirrhosis in women than in men. 828• Dementia: The evidence suggests an association between the consumption of one standard drink per day forwomen and one and a half to two standard drinks per day for men, with a maximum intake of four standarddrinks per day, and a reduced risk of dementia in older adults (Grade C; Evidence Report, Section 16.3). 829-835• Mental health: Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of a number of mental health and social problemsin young adults. 836 The existence of psychiatric comorbidities in young people who drink heavily is common,especially for conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. 836-840• Nutrition-related conditions: Alcohol consumption is linked to malnutrition, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome,folate deficiency, vitamin A depletion and pellagra. 841 Excessive consumption of alcohol (severe alcoholism)leads to malnutrition if normal diet is neglected. The financial resources of the patient can be diverted awayfrom purchase of food to acquiring and consuming alcohol. In Australia the fortification of bread with thiaminehas contributed to a 40% reduction in the incidence of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. 842,843Other conditions associated with harmful levels of alcohol consumption include: 794• dependence and addiction• endocrine conditions (e.g. hypercortisonism and sexual dysfunction)• alcohol-related brain damage including alcoholic dementia• gastritis and gastric ulcers• aspiration pneumonia• cardiomyopathy• interactions with pharmaceuticals and illegal recreational drugs.82EAT FOR HEALTH – australian dietary guidelinesNational Health and Medical Research Council