Alcohol and Fallopian Tube Cancer Risk

Alcohol and fallopian tube cancer. Are they related? In a word, no.

        Overview

I.   Alcohol Not a Risk

II.  Risk Factors

III. Symptoms

IV.  Drinking Good

V.   Resources 

I. Alcohol Not a Risk Factor

Drinking alcohol is not a risk factor for developing fallopian tube cancer. So says the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Australian National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers, and CancerHelp UK. Also of the Stanford University Cancer Center and the Abramson Cancer Center (U of Pennsylvania). In addition, it’s the conclusion of the M.D. Abramson Cancer Center (U of Texas), and many other medical organizations. 

II. Fallopian Tube Cancer Risk Factors

Risk factors include these.

  • Age. Fallopian tube cancer occurs most often between the ages of 50 and 66. The peak is between ages 60 and 66.
  • Certain genetic mutations.
  • Being Caucasian.
  • Family history of fallopian tube cancer.
  • Having had no or few children.
  • Chronic infection of the reproductive system

Factors that reduce the risk of developing fallopian tube cancer are:

  • Having used hormonal contraception.
  • Irregular or heavy vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause.
  • Having breast-fed children.

III. Fallopian Tube Cancer Symptoms

Common symptoms of fallopian tube cancer are these.

  • alcohol and fallopian tube cancerAbdominal or pelvic pain or feeling of pressure.
  • Having had more than a few children.
  • Unusual vaginal discharge. It might be clear, white or slightly pink. That is, tinged with blood.
  • A pelvic mass or lump.
  • Abdominal pain that comes in spasms.
  • Enlarged pelvis.

A woman with any of these symptoms should see her doctor.

IV. Moderate Drinking Good for Health

Drinking alcohol is not a risk factor for developing fallopian tube cancer. On the other hand, the moderate consumption of alcohol is associated with better health and greater longevity. That’s in comparison to either abstaining from alcohol or drinking abusively.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism describes moderate drinking. For a woman having three drinks on any day and an average of seven drinks per week.

Standard Drinks

A standard alcoholic drink is a

  • 12-ounce can or bottle of regular beer
  • 5-ounce glass of dinner wine
  • shot (one and one-half ounces) of 80 proof liquor or spirits such as vodka, tequila, rum, etc.

Standard drinks have 0.06 ounce of pure alcohol.

No form of alcoholic beverage has greater health or longevity benefits than any other. Thus, beer, wine, and spirits are equally good for health and long life.

V. Resources on Alcohol and Fallopian Tube Cancer 

Internet Resources

Books

These books are for patients, loved ones, and caregivers.

Medical Articles on Alohol and Fallopian Tube Cancer

  • Aziz, S., et al. A genetic study of carcinoma of the fallopian tube. Gyn Onc, 2001, 80, 341.
  • Cass, I., et al. BRCA-mutation-associated fallopian tube carcinoma. Obstet Onc, 2005, 106, 1327.
  • Heintz, A., et al. Carcinoma of the fallopian tube. Int J Gyn Obst, 2006, 95, Suppl. 1, S145.
  • Levine, D., et al. Fallopian tube and primary peritoneal carcinomas. J Clin Onc, 2003, 21, 4222.
  • Moore, K.N., et al. Serious fallopian tube carcinoma. Gynl Onc, 2007, 107, 398.
  • Pestasides, D., et al. Fallopian tube carcinoma: a review. Oncol, 2006, 11, 902.
  • Riska, A., et al. Past chlamydial infection is not associated with primary fallopian tube carcinoma. Eur J Can, 2006, 42, 1835.
  • ________. HPV infection and primary fallopian tube carcinoma. Brit J Gyn, 2007, 114, 425.
  • Stewart, S., et al. The incidence of primary fallopian tube cancer. Gyn Onc 2007, 107, 392.

This website makes no suggestions about drinking alcohol and fallopian tube cancer risk.