Alcohol-induced flushing predicts cancer

Facial flushing after drinking alcoholic drinks is the predictive sign of an increased risk of esophageal cancer, a new study finds. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) deficiency reported in many individuals particularly those of East Asian descent makes their skin to flush after drinking. A new study reveals that individuals with this type of deficiency are at an increased risk of esophageal cancer due to alcohol consumption. According to the study published in PLoS Medicine, even ALDH2-deficient moderate drinkers are more vulnerable to esophageal cancer, the deadly malignancy affecting a considerable number of individuals worldwide. Compared with individuals with the fully active ALDH2 enzyme, those with a single copy of the inactive gene who drink comparable amounts of alcohol are 6-10 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer. Lowering alcohol intake in these individuals can reduce the risk of cancer by 53 percent. Scientists therefore urge individuals suffering from alcohol-induced flushing to reduce their alcohol consumption and undergo necessary screening tests for detecting possible esophageal cancers.