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 medical groups. They include these.
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.
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 with any symptoms.
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 compared 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.
A standard alcoholic drink is any of these.
- 12-ounce can or bottle of regular beer.
- Five-ounce glass of dinner wine.
- One shot (one and one-half ounces) of spirits (liquor).
Standard drinks have the same amount of pure alcohol. It’s six-tenths of an ounce.
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
eVideo
Books
- Cancer Soc. Prostate Cancer: a Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer.
- Melman, A. and Newnham, R. After Prostate Cancer: a Guide to a Recovery.
Note
- This site gives no advice. Thus it gives no advice about alcohol and prostate cancer.