Alcohol and Prostate Cancer

Table of Contents

Studies report that alcohol consumption may contribute to between 3.2% and 3.7% of cancer deaths in the United States. (1) Regular alcohol intake can have a number of potential negative health impacts. These include an increased risk of esophageal and upper airway cancers. Whether or not it can impact the risk of developing prostate cancer, however, may be another question altogether.

How does drinking alcohol impact prostate cancer risk? Can you decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer by moderating alcohol consumption? Carefully studying your risks can help you more effectively determine your best course of action regarding alcohol consumption.

Prostate Cancer: The Basics

Prostate cancer is a fairly common cancer diagnosis in older men. (2) It occurs most often in men over the age of 50 and tends to grow slowly. However, prostate cancer can cause a number of potential complications.

The prostate is the small, walnut-shaped gland located between the bladder and the penis in men. Part of the reproductive system, the prostate produces seminal fluid, which helps protect and transport semen during ejaculation. 

Cancer in the prostate gland usually grows relatively slowly. In its early symptoms, patients may not notice any symptoms at all. As prostate cancer progresses, however, men may notice signs like:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Decreased pressure in urine stream
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Pain when ejaculating
  • Weight loss despite no change in diet or exercise
  • Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis

Prostate cancer is often detected in its early stages through early exams. These include testing for prostate-specific antigen levels or conducting a digital rectal exam. In its early stages, prostate cancer is generally easily treatable. Some patients in the early stages of prostate cancer may not require treatment at all. 

Other patients may have the prostate removed or may have radiation or hormone therapy. In some cases, patients may require chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drug therapy. Comprehensive treatment can often substantially slow or prevent the spread of prostate cancer in many patients.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

As with many  types of cancer, doctors are not entirely sure what causes prostate cancer. However, there are several risk factors that can significantly increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Age

Generally, prostate cancer is diagnosed at age 50 or later. Only around 10% of new prostate cancer cases are diagnosed prior to the age of 55. The median age of presentation is 68.3 

However, men can develop symptoms of prostate cancer at any age. Early screening and treatment can prove critical to effective treatment.

Race

African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other races. (4) Furthermore, African-American men are twice as likely to die of prostate cancer. (5)

Obesity

Obese men have a higher risk of developing several types of cancer, including prostate cancer. (11) Furthermore, obese men are more likely to note a return of prostate cancer symptoms after treatment. They are also more likely to die from prostate cancer.

Family History

As with many types of cancer, family history could indicate a predisposition to prostate cancer. Men whose close family relations have received treatment for prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves. Compared to men who do not have a family history of prostate cancer.

Men's Health Month: Alcohol and Prostate Cancer

https://www.pcf.org/patient-resources/family-cancer-risk/prostate-cancer-risk-factors/

Does Alcohol Consumption Increase the Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Research does not necessarily indicate a definitive link between prostate cancer and alcohol consumption. (6) In North American studies, some signs indicate that high-volume alcohol consumption would increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Foundation does not note alcohol consumption as one of the known risk factors for prostate cancer. (7) The American Cancer Society does not suggest this relationship either. (8)

Since heavy drinking is not a heavy marker for prostate cancer risk does not necessarily mean that regular consumption does not have any impact on cancer risk. Alcoholic beverages are a known carcinogen for humans. (9)  In many cases, increased risk of cancer may be linked to historic alcohol consumption. 

Therefore, drinking patterns at a younger age may have more of an impact than current alcohol consumption levels. Alcohol consumption over time also tends to have a heavier impact than immediate alcohol consumption. This is due to the fact that cancer may take time to develop. Alcohol may impact the risk of developing cancer in several ways.

Impairing the Body's Ability to Break Down and Absorb Nutrients

High levels of alcohol consumption is known to impair the body’s ability to break down a number of vital nutrients. Including vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, all of which are known to potentially decrease the risk of developing cancer. (10) Alcohol inhibits the absorption of those essential nutrients. Therefore, it may lead to increased risk of developing several types of cancer over time.

Increasing Estrogen Levels

Even moderate alcohol consumption can cause an increase in blood estrogen levels. (12) Those higher estrogen levels are, in some cases, linked to a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. (13) Consuming moderate to high quantities of alcohol on a regular basis may significantly increase this risk.

Generating Reactive Oxygen Species

As your body breaks down alcohol, it may generate reactive oxygen species, which can damage DNA and proteins throughout the body. This damage may increase the risk of developing a number of types of cancer.

Alcohol Consumption May Mask Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Not only can alcohol potentially impact the risk of developing prostate cancer. Alcohol may mask the initial symptoms. This makes it more difficult for men who drink on a regular basis to receive early treatment. Early treatment can be essential to avoid further complications from prostate cancer.

Difficulty Urinating

Many men who consume alcohol on a regular basis will notice that they tend to urinate more often. As a result, they may have a harder time noticing difficulty urinating. Alcohol consumption may also interfere with urine stream, another potential symptom of prostate cancer. Men who notice those common symptoms may write them off to the alcohol consumption, rather than acknowledging that something isn’t right. 

Patients developing symptoms of prostate cancer like pain or burning when urinating. At first they may write it off to dehydration due to alcohol consumption. They may also ignore the symptoms due to inebriation.

Pain and Stiffness

Often, patients with prostate cancer, especially as it advances, will notice pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, and pelvis. Unfortunately, men who drink on a regular basis may write that pain off to hangover concerns. 

Especially if they slept in an awkward position or engaged in vigorous activities that could explain that stiffness. Patients who use alcohol on a regular basis may be more likely to ignore pain and stiffness. They may also try to obscure it with further alcohol usage.

Erectile Difficulties

Chronic alcohol use can, over time, lead to frequent sexual dysfunction, including difficulty getting or maintaining an erection or difficulty ejaculating. (14) Men who consume alcohol on a regular basis may assume that symptoms of sexual dysfunction relate to alcohol use. Rather than acknowledging a different pattern to the difficulties that could be caused by prostate cancer or another problem. 

Regular alcohol consumption may also interfere with sexual desire. Or may interfere with the social relationships that would normally lead to sexual contact. A man who is not in regular contact with a partner may have a harder time identifying challenges like erectile dysfunction.

Doctor Avoidance

A high number of men, in particular, will lie to their doctors about alcohol consumption. (15) Many patients who drink regularly will avoid going to the doctor for common issues. Especially those issues that could relate to their alcohol consumption. 

They may feel ashamed or embarrassed and want to avoid the lecture. Or they may simply not want to admit the extent of their alcohol consumption. “I’m not going to stop drinking, so there’s not much the doctor can do to help me”. This may be a common refrain for many men. 

The lack of regular visits to the doctor, could cause men to miss the early window for prostate cancer diagnosis. As a result, they might not receive the treatment they need until prostate cancer has progressed substantially.

Men's Health Month: Alcohol and Prostate Cancer

Can I Drink After Prostate Surgery?

If you have already had prostate cancer identified and had treatment for prostate cancer, what comes next? Can you continue to drink? What about drinking after prostate surgery?

Decreasing alcohol intake following prostate surgery is recommended for several reasons. However, you should disclose your true alcohol use to your doctor prior to the procedure. This can help decrease the risk of serious complications. Stopping alcohol consumption abruptly can lead to a number of potential complications, including an increased risk of seizures or delirium. 

Furthermore, you may have a higher rate of complication following surgery if you use alcohol on a regular basis. This includes an increased risk of bleeding, infections, or heart problems. Notifying your doctor before your procedure can help decrease those symptoms. It can also put you in a better position to avoid potential complications after your surgery.

Survival Rates

Men who continue to drink following a prostate cancer diagnosis, have a slightly lower survival rate. This is compared to men who choose to abstain from alcohol after diagnosis and treatment. (16) Reducing alcohol consumption can help decrease the risk of mortality following a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Urinary Incontinence

Most doctors recommend avoiding alcohol consumption for several weeks following prostate surgery. If you do drink following your prostate surgery, it could irritate the bladder. This may lead to an overall increased risk of urinary incontinence. Those symptoms may also linger longer-term than anticipated following prostate surgery if you continue to drink.

Reducing Your Risk of Prostate Cancer: The Basics

Many of the most obvious risk factors for prostate cancer are outside your control. You age over time (whether you want to or not!), which serves as the greatest overall risk for prostate cancer. You also cannot change risks associated with race or family history. However, there are several steps you can take to decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer.

Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

Obese men are more likely to die of prostate cancer than men with a healthy body weight. Males who are severely obese are about 34% more likely to die of prostate cancer. This is compared to men who maintain a healthy body weight. (17) There are several strategies you can use to maintain good health and wellness.

Exercise

Regular exercise is one of the most critical defenses against obesity. Around 25% of Americans are not active at all, according to the CDC. (18) Exercise does not necessarily have to be vigorous or intense to lead to significant health benefits. 

Going for regular walks around the block or engaging in moderate activity can substantially decrease the overall risk of obesity. If you want to protect your health, consider making exercise a regular part of your routine.

It may be helpful to increase exercise gradually, especially if you have lived a sedentary lifestyle in the past. Trying to jump into too much exercise abruptly can increase the odds that you will fail in reaching your goals. Start with walks, stretching, or low-impact activities, then gradually work your way up to more intense exercise. 

Talk to your doctor before beginning any major exercise routine. Your doctor can help you get a better idea of what type of exercise might work best for your needs.

Diet

Chronic alcohol use can, over time, lead to frequent sexual dysfunction, including difficulty getting or maintaining an erection or difficulty ejaculating. (14) Men who consume alcohol on a regular basis may assume that symptoms of sexual dysfunction relate to alcohol use. Rather than acknowledging a different pattern to the difficulties that could be caused by prostate cancer or another problem. 

Regular alcohol consumption may also interfere with sexual desire. Or may interfere with the social relationships that would normally lead to sexual contact. A man who is not in regular contact with a partner may have a harder time identifying challenges like erectile dysfunction.

Decrease Alcohol Consumption

There may not be a strong link between alcohol consumption and prostate health. However, there is a strong possibility that excessive alcohol consumption will have a negative impact on your overall health. 

Heavy alcohol consumption impacts your health in a variety of ways. This includes decreasing your energy levels. Which leads to a more sedentary lifestyle, and eventually weight gain. Furthermore, alcohol consumption can decrease the likelihood that you will stick to your other healthy resolutions.

Ejaculate Regularly

Some studies suggest that regular ejaculation may help decrease your risk of later developing prostate cancer. (19) Men who report lower quantities of orgasms may have a slightly higher chance of developing prostate cancer. (20) 

In general, researchers define frequent sexual activity as at least 21 orgasms per month. This is for men who are looking for ways to cut their risk of developing prostate cancer. Regular sexual contact can also help increase the odds that you will notice quickly if something changes in your body. Which can help you seek prompt treatment for any potential concerns.

Stop Smoking

If you already do not smoke, do not start! If you do smoke, reducing or stopping your tobacco consumption can decrease the risk of developing prostate cancer. Quitting smoking may reduce the risk of prostate cancer fatality. 

Current smokers have an increased risk of fatal prostate cancer. This is compared to people who do not smoke. Heavy smokers may have a 24%-30% greater overall risk of death from prostate cancer. (21) 

Cutting back on tobacco use can also help increase your overall energy levels and provide you with a better, healthier outlook. This is compared to people who regularly smoke or use other tobacco products.

Men's Health Month: Alcohol and Prostate Cancer

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1550782/#:~:text=Both%20CPS%2DI%20and%20CPS,increased%20risk%20in%20CPS%2DII.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836346/#:~:text=Current%20smokers%20had%20an%20increased,prostate%20cancer%20incidence%20and%20mortality.

Do You Need Help Reducing Alcohol Consumption?

Decreasing alcohol consumption in your everyday life can substantially reduce your risk of developing a number of potential health problems. As highlighted above, this includes prostate cancer. If you have been struggling with heavy drinking or the effects of alcohol we are here to help.  

Everlast Recovery Centers is here to help to get your life back on track. We can help you recover from alcohol addiction and learn more about how to maintain a healthier lifestyle. We have specialized treatment options for our patients. Ready to get started on your journey to a healthier lifestyle? 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Sources

  1. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2012.301199
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4677466/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5385860/
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
  5. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2019/prostate-cancer-death-disparities-black-men
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4453639/
  7. https://www.pcf.org/patient-resources/family-cancer-risk/prostate-cancer-risk-factors/#
  8. https://www.pcf.org/patient-resources/family-cancer-risk/prostate-cancer-risk-factors/
  9. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
  10. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content/profiles/alcoholicbeverageconsumption.pdf
  11. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet
  12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1550782/#:~:text=Larger%20studies%2C%20notably%20the%20Cancer,cancer%20than%20non%2Dobese%20men.
  13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3767933/
  14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1477605/#:~:text=Observations%20from%20several%20studies%20led,cancer%20in%20an%20animal%20model.
  15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2917074/
  16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29435976/
  17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1550782/#:~:text=Both%20CPS%2DI%20and%20CPS,increased%20risk%20in%20CPS%2DII.
  18. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30122473/
  19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5040619/
  20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2836346/#:~:text=Current%20smokers%20had%20an%20increased,prostate%20cancer%20incidence%20and%20mortality.
  21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5952478/