A study, with genetically modified mice, has cast further light on the association between alcohol ingestion and cancers (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/jan/03/alcohol-can-cause-irreversible-genetic-damage-to-stem-cells-says-study). Although there could be species differences in responses to this popular material, it seems that alcohol simultaneously impairs the body's ability to clear away an alcohol metabolite (acetaldehyde) that lesions DNA as well as the effectiveness of genetic repair mechanisms. These effects could alter any of the body's cells but seem to especially damage the organism's reserve of stem cells (unspecialised cells that can give rise to a range of tissues). The UK population shows a particularly high incidence of alcohol-related cancers. Cheers!
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