When it comes to smoking, doctors agree — it’s dangerous and causes cancer. But with alcohol, the debate has been more complicated. Many people wonder if an occasional drink is harmless or even healthy. According to Dr. Sewanti Limaye, Director of Medical & Precision Oncology at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, the answer is simple: no amount of alcohol is safe.
Why alcohol is harmful
Dr. Limaye explains that when the body breaks down alcohol, it produces a toxic substance called acetaldehyde. This damages DNA and disrupts normal cell functions. As a result, the immune system weakens, the body struggles to detect abnormal cells, and the risk of cancer increases.
Long-term damage
Regular drinking harms three key organs:
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Liver: Long-term drinking can cause cirrhosis (permanent liver damage).
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Pancreas: Alcohol can inflame the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis and poor blood sugar control, raising diabetes risk.
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Brain: Alcohol damages brain cells, causing mood swings, memory issues, poor coordination, and even neurological disorders.
Cancer risk
Research shows that any amount of alcohol raises cancer risk, particularly breast cancer in women. The American Cancer Society and WHO both confirm that there is no “safe” level of drinking.
What studies reveal
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A 2023 study published in The Lancet found that even small amounts of alcohol increase disease risk and shorten life expectancy.
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WHO’s 2023 report also confirmed that alcohol is harmful from the very first drink.
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In 2016, alcohol was linked to 3 million deaths worldwide.
Busting the wine myth
Some people believe that a glass of wine is good for the heart. But experts, including WHO researchers, say the risks outweigh any supposed benefits. The idea of alcohol being “protective” is based on flawed studies.
More than just cancer
Alcohol affects the whole body:
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Immune system: Weakened, making the body prone to infections.
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Brain: Slows responses, affects judgment, and can cause permanent mental decline.
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Heart: Long-term drinking weakens the heart muscle, increasing risks of heart failure and stroke.
Bottom line
Drinking alcohol — in any amount — damages the body and increases cancer risk. The safest choice, according to global health experts, is complete abstinence.
