Alcohol and Cancer: What Every Woman Needs to Know
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough airtime: the link between alcohol and cancer. The Surgeon General recently called for more attention to this connection, and honestly, it’s about time. Because while most of us know smoking causes cancer, very few realize that even a single drink a day can increase your risk.
This hits close to home for me. Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Thankfully, I’m here to tell the story—and no, my diagnosis may not have been alcohol-related. But it was a wake-up call that changed the way I think about my health, my habits, and the messages we’re fed about what’s “normal” or “safe.”
The Facts We Can’t Ignore
Here’s the reality: alcohol is a known carcinogen. When your body processes alcohol, it creates a toxic compound called acetaldehyde, which can damage your DNA and make you more vulnerable to cancer.
Breast cancer, mouth cancer, liver cancer—alcohol doesn’t discriminate. And while I’m not here to scare you, I do think it’s important we talk about this openly, especially because women are often the last to put their health first.
The Surgeon General’s report points out that even low levels of drinking—like that one glass of wine we’ve all been told is “good for us”—can increase cancer risk. It’s not just about heavy drinking. It’s about how alcohol interacts with our biology, our hormones, and our lives.
Why This Matters for Women
We live in a culture that glorifies wine o’clock and moms needing mimosas to get through the day. I get it—I’ve been there. But here’s the thing: we’re not invincible. And when I think back to my own health scare, I can’t help but wonder how many other women are out there drinking to cope, without realizing the hidden risks.
This isn’t about judgment. It’s about empowerment. When we know better, we can do better.
What You Can Do
If you’re like me and you’ve started questioning your relationship with alcohol, here’s my advice:
Get Curious: Pay attention to how alcohol fits into your life. Are you drinking out of habit, stress, or social pressure?
Know the Risks: Educate yourself. This isn’t about fear; it’s about awareness.
Take Small Steps: Maybe it’s skipping that second glass or swapping your go-to cocktail for a mocktail.
And most importantly, give yourself grace. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but every step toward a healthier you is worth it.
Moving Forward Together
This topic isn’t easy to talk about, but it’s too important to ignore. If you’re feeling called to take a closer look at your habits, know you’re not alone. There’s a whole community of women (myself included) walking this road with you.
Let’s rewrite the story together—one of courage, connection, and taking back our health.
Here’s to stronger tomorrows,
Nancy
P.S. Want to dive deeper into this conversation? Check out my newsletter, The Women Empowered Digest, where I’ll be sharing more tips and stories about recovery, resilience, and living our best lives.
