2014-01-29 07:31:54
By Michelle Roberts Health editor, BBC News online
Scientists believe drinking too much alcohol could set off a chain of reactions
in the body that makes the skin more vulnerable to cancer.
Ethanol is converted to acetaldehyde soon after ingestion and this compound may
render the skin more sensitive to harmful UV light, they say.
The authors of the work in the British Journal of Dermatology admit that other
forces may also be to blame.
Drinkers may lounge in the sun without enough protective clothing or suncream.
According to their work, which looked at 16 different studies involving
thousands of participants, consuming an alcoholic drink or more a day increases
skin cancer risk by a fifth.
Risk increased proportionately with alcohol intake - those who drank 50g of
ethanol daily (the equivalent of a few strong beers) were up to 55% more likely
to develop the deadliest form of skin cancer called melanoma compared with non
or occasional drinkers.
Dr Eva Negri, one of the study authors who is from the University of Milan,
said: "We know that in the presence of UV radiation, drinking alcohol can alter
the body's immunocompetence, the ability to produce a normal immune response.
"This can lead to far greater cellular damage and subsequently cause skin
cancers to form. This study aimed to quantify the extent to which the melanoma
risk is increased with alcohol intake, and we hope that armed with this
knowledge people can better protect themselves in the sun."
melanoma Melanoma usually starts in the skin and sometimes within a mole
Prof Chris Bunker, President of the British Association of Dermatologists,
said: "Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK and melanoma is
its deadliest form. Any research into this area is very welcome.
"Brits haven't always been known for their moderation when it comes to either
alcohol or the sun, but this research is important as it provides people with
further information to make informed choices about their health.
Melanoma
The most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in
an existing mole
This can happen anywhere on the body, but most often the back, legs, arms and
face are affected
In most cases, melanomas have an irregular shape and more than one colour
They may also be larger than normal moles and can sometimes be itchy or bleed
Source: NHS Choices
"We would always urge people to be careful in the sun and try to enjoy it
responsibly. It is not uncommon to have a few drinks whilst on holiday or at a
barbeque, we would just encourage people to be careful and make sure they are
protecting their skin, this research provides an extra incentive to do so. Many
of us have seen holiday-makers who have been caught unawares the day before,
fuzzy-headed and lobster red - an unwelcome combination."
Sarah Williams of Cancer Research UK, said: "This study doesn't tell us for
sure whether alcohol is a risk factor for melanoma. As the researchers
themselves point out, the results could be due to sunlight exposure rather than
alcohol. Research has clearly shown that most cases of melanoma are caused by
overexposure to UV rays - you can reduce the risk by avoiding sunburn."
She said that in winter, the UK sun isn't normally strong enough to cause
sunburn, but added: "Remember to protect yourself if you're skiing or going
away for some winter sun."
"And whether or not alcohol is linked to skin cancers, it's still a good idea
to limit the amount you drink. Alcohol is linked to seven different types of
cancer, and cutting down can cut the risk."