Cancer of the prostate gland is the most common form of cancer in men in the US. In fact, almost 200,000 men are diagnosed with the disease each year. Therefore, the subject of drinking alcohol and prostate cancer risk concerns many men.
Drinking alcohol does not increase the risk of getting prostate cancer. That’s the conclusion of virtually all medical groups. They include the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the National Cancer Institute, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Possible Symptoms
There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. That’s why men should regularly have a physical exam and blood test. This helps detect the disease in its early stages. Although the digital exam isn’t pleasant, it could save your life.
However, symptoms that might indicate prostate cancer include these.
- Frequent urination (peeing), especially at night.
- Problems starting or stopping urination.
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
- Blood in urine or semen.
- Painful ejaculation.
- Problems in having erections.
- Frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, or upper thighs. 7
These symptoms don’t always mean prostate cancer. But men should see a doctor when any symptoms occur.
Drinking alcohol is not a risk factor for getting prostate cancer. On the other hand, the moderate drinking is linked with better health and longer life That’s in comparison to either not drinking or drinking heavily.
Moderate Drinking
Moderate drinking has been described by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). It’s a man having four drinks on any day. And an average of 14 drinks per week. For a woman, it’s three drinks in any one day. And an average of seven drinks per week.
A standard alcoholic drink is a:
- 12-ounce can or bottle of regular beer.
- Five-ounce glass of dinner wine.
- One shot (one and one-half ounces) of spirits. That is whiskey, vodka, tequila, gin, rum, etc.
Standard drinks have the same amount of alcohol. That is, 0.6 (six-tenths) ounce of pure alcohol.
There is no evidence that any form of alcohol gives more health benefits. That is, wine, spirits, and beer are equally helpful.
Resources: Alcohol and Prostate Cancer
Web Pages
Alcohol and Risk of Dying from Cancer (You Might be Surprised).
How Much Alcohol Should I Drink for Health & Long Life? (12 Facts).
Alcohol and Longevity. Important Facts for Long Life.
Benefits of Drinking Outweigh Harm from Abuse.
Books & Videos
Cancer Soc. Prostate Cancer: a Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer. Wellington: Cancer Society, 2019.
Living with Prostate Cancer. San Francisco: Kanopy, 2016 (eVideo).
Melman, A. and Newnham, R. After Prostate Cancer: a Guide to a Recovery. NY: Oxford U Press, 2011.
Westbrook, D. So, I have Prostate Cancer, What Now? : a guide for men and their partners living with Prostate Cancer. St. Leonards, NSW: Prostate Cancer Found, 2008 (DVD Video).