Alcohol can increase the risk of developing cancer by causing permanent genetic damage to stem cells in the body, new research has found. The study, conducted on genetically modified mice, adds to the growing evidence of a strong link between drinking and cancer. Prof. Ketan Patel, from the MRC lab, said: “Some cancers develop due to DNA damage in stem cells. After giving the mice diluted alcohol, the team used chromosome analysis and DNA sequencing to look for genetic damage. Prof. Patel said: “Our study highlights that not being able to process alcohol effectively can lead to an even higher risk of alcohol-related DNA damage and therefore, certain cancers.

Source: Punch January 05, 2018 13:18 UTC