Alcohol is deeply woven into South African culture—from weekend braais and celebrations to stress relief after long workdays. But while it's often treated as a social norm or harmless indulgence, the health consequences of alcohol use are far more serious than most people realise.
Globally, alcohol is now recognised as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), placing it in the same category as asbestos, tobacco, and radiation. In other words, there’s sufficient scientific evidence that alcohol causes cancer in humans. This isn’t a correlation—it’s causation.
For South Africans, where alcohol consumption ranks among the highest per capita in Africa, the need to understand these risks is urgent. The prevalence of binge drinking, especially among men, has been directly linked to a higher incidence of cancer and premature death.
When you consume alcohol, your body begins to metabolise it into a compound called acetaldehyde. This isn’t just a harmless step in digestion—acetaldehyde is a known toxin that damages DNA and prevents cells from repairing themselves.
Over time, this cellular damage accumulates. Damaged DNA makes it easier for cancer cells to form and multiply. While the liver plays a major role in breaking down acetaldehyde, repeated exposure from heavy or even regular drinking overwhelms the system and increases the risk of cancer, particularly in the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, and colon.
Alcohol consumption has also been shown to increase levels of certain hormones, particularly estrogen. Elevated estrogen levels are a well-established risk factor for breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in South African women.
Even moderate drinking—just one drink per day—has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. In communities where alcohol is regularly consumed, this adds another layer of danger, especially for women with a family history of cancer or existing hormone imbalances.
Chronic alcohol use depletes essential nutrients such as folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc—all of which are crucial for DNA repair and immune function. Without these protective nutrients, the body becomes more vulnerable to carcinogenic damage.
In South Africa, where access to nutrient-dense diets may already be limited for some, alcohol abuse can accelerate the development of lifestyle diseases and reduce the body’s ability to fight off cancer at a cellular level.
Alcohol doesn’t work in isolation—it often acts as a carrier, making it easier for other carcinogens to penetrate and harm body tissues. For example, if a person smokes and drinks, the alcohol increases the absorption of tobacco carcinogens in the throat and lungs.
Even in people who don't smoke, alcohol can increase exposure to harmful substances through processed foods, environmental pollutants, or poor gut health. This synergistic effect amplifies the cancer risk dramatically—especially when binge drinking is common, as is often seen across South Africa.
South Africa faces one of the highest rates of alcohol-related harm in the world. According to The Lancet, over 70% of cancer cases in men in Southern Africa that were linked to lifestyle risk factors were attributed to alcohol use. Among women, while the percentage is lower, the impact is just as devastating—especially in breast cancer cases.
Esophageal cancer—closely linked to alcohol—is one of the top ten cancers affecting South African men. It’s especially prevalent in rural areas of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, where heavy drinking is common and early screening is rare. Liver cancer, often exacerbated by alcohol-related liver disease, is another growing concern.
What’s also deeply concerning is that many South Africans are unaware of alcohol’s role in cancer development. Unlike the widespread awareness around tobacco and lung cancer, the alcohol-cancer link has received far less attention—despite being just as scientifically sound.
Reducing alcohol-related cancer risk in South Africa requires a multi-layered approach. On an individual level, the most effective step is to cut down on alcohol consumption or stop altogether. There’s no safe level of alcohol when it comes to cancer prevention—but the less you drink, the lower your risk.
Public health interventions must also be part of the solution. These include:
For people already at high risk—those with a family history of cancer or long-term alcohol use—early screening and lifestyle interventions can be life-saving. And for those in recovery, building a life free of alcohol offers both immediate and long-term health rewards.
At Step Away, we know that breaking free from alcohol is about more than willpower—it’s about reclaiming your health, your future, and your peace of mind. Our holistic programs address not just addiction but its long-term impact, including the very real risk of cancer.
As a trusted alcohol addiction treatment centre in South Africa, we combine medical detox, therapeutic support, and practical education to help our clients understand the full spectrum of recovery—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you care about, our team is here to guide you toward a healthier life.
Contact Us
Get the latest updates in your email box automatically.
Your nickname:
Email address:
Subscribe