DNA Damage and Genetic Mutations: How Alcohol Causes Cancer

The Experiment

Previous research scientists have done specifically looked at the ways alcohol causes cancer, with an emphasis on studying cell cultures. However, in this recent study, scientists have used mice to show how alcohol consumption can lead to permanent genetic damage and mutation of the cells. They gave ethanol - a diluted alcohol - to mice and used a chromosome analysis and DNA sequencing to explore how and why genetic damage is caused by acetaldehyde, which is a toxic chemical the body produces when it processes alcohol.

What evidence did the researchers find indicating alcohol causes cancer? Learn more about their findings now.