Alcohol And Cancer: Endocrinologist Shares 10 Habits That Could Raise Breast, Colon Risks

Alcohol consumption has been linked to several health risks, including certain types of cancer, according to endocrinologist Dr Aida Taye, who has shared a list of lifestyle habits she follows after years of treating patients with hormone-related conditions. In a social media post, Taye outlined 10 habits she says she avoids or prioritises to reduce the risk of future health complications. Taye said her approach to lifestyle choices has been shaped by what she has witnessed during a decade working as an endocrine surgeon.

Responding to a follower who asked whether her professional experience had influenced anything she avoids in daily life, she said every habit on her list was something she had “learned the hard way” through the experiences of her patients. One of the habits she highlighted was alcohol consumption. Taye said she stopped drinking eight years ago and has continued to avoid alcohol, including occasional drinking. Her comments draw attention to growing evidence linking alcohol consumption with an increased risk of several cancers, even though the level of risk can vary depending on the amount and frequency of consumption. Citing the 2025 Alcohol and Cancer Risk advisory issued by the US Surgeon General, Taye said alcohol consumption is associated with cancers including breast, oesophageal and colon cancer.

The advisory has highlighted alcohol as an established cancer risk factor and has called greater attention to the relationship between drinking and cancer. The relationship between alcohol and cancer is not limited to heavy drinking. Alcohol can contribute to cancer risk through several biological mechanisms, including the production of acetaldehyde when the body breaks down alcohol. Acetaldehyde can damage DNA, while alcohol can also influence hormone levels and other processes involved in the development of certain cancers. Breast cancer is among the cancers for which an association with alcohol consumption has been established.

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Researchers have identified several possible mechanisms, including alcohol's influence on estrogen and other hormones. The risk can increase with higher levels of consumption, although individual risk is also affected by factors such as genetics, age and other lifestyle and reproductive factors. Taye also highlighted the connection between alcohol and liver health. Regular alcohol consumption can contribute to fatty liver disease and, in more serious cases, liver inflammation and scarring. Because the liver plays an important role in processing hormones and other substances, impaired liver function can affect normal metabolic processes, including the way the body handles estrogen.

The endocrinologist's broader list reportedly includes measures aimed at supporting hormonal and metabolic health. These include limiting exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, incorporating strength training into regular physical activity and maintaining healthy sleep routines. Such habits are generally discussed as part of a broader approach to reducing preventable health risks. However, lifestyle changes should not be viewed as guarantees against cancer or other diseases. Cancer develops through a combination of genetic, environmental and behavioural factors, and eliminating one risk factor cannot completely remove the possibility of developing the disease.

For people who drink alcohol, the potential health implications are therefore worth discussing with a healthcare professional, particularly when there are other risk factors for cancer or liver disease. Medical advice can help individuals assess their personal risks and determine appropriate changes rather than relying on general recommendations alone. Taye's comments ultimately highlight a broader health message: everyday habits can influence long-term disease risk. Her decision to avoid alcohol is based on her personal experience and interpretation of medical evidence, while the broader scientific evidence supports an association between alcohol consumption and several forms of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancer.

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