Not only excessive sunbathing, but also alcohol abuse can increase the body’s susceptibility to skin cancer, Italian researchers say in the Journal of Dermatology.
Dr. Eva Negri from the University of Milan says that alcohol (ethanol) is converted in the body into acetaldehyde, which makes the skin more susceptible to ultraviolet radiation.
The specialist admits, however, that the main cause of melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is excessive sunbathing. Alcohol abuse may only be an additional factor in increasing the risk of developing this type of cancer.
The researcher refers to 16 studies that have been conducted so far in this area. They show that one drink a day by 20 percent. increases the risk of developing melanoma. The greater the risk of disease increases, the more alcohol we consume. 50 g of ethanol a day, i.e. as much as there is in two beers, by 55 percent. increases the likelihood of developing this type of skin cancer.
According to Dr. Negri, exposure to excessive sunlight in combination with alcohol abuse can suppress the immune system, making it more susceptible to cancer. “More damage can then develop in the skin cells, which favors their transformation into a cancer cell” – he emphasizes.
Sarah Williams from Cancer Research UK emphasizes that the most disadvantageous is sunbathing too much. In winter, there is usually no risk of skin burns, but people who sunbathe should remember that even at this time, you should protect your skin from too intense sun radiation.
The specialist adds that it is worth limiting alcohol consumption because it increases the risk of developing other cancers, such as cancer of the esophagus. (PAP)