How Do Tobacco and Alcohol Use Contribute to Cancer?
Tobacco and alcohol use are significant risk factors for various types of cancer. The consumption of tobacco, whether through smoking or other means, introduces numerous carcinogens into the body. These carcinogens can cause mutations in DNA, which can lead to the uncontrolled cell growth characteristic of cancer. Similarly, alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can also cause DNA damage and hinder the body's ability to repair this damage, contributing to cancer development.